FOREIGN Secretary Robin Cook is being asked to invoke Britain's "special relationship" with the United States to reunite an 86-year-old bride with her husband.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope is appalled that Emma Russell is being prevented from joining her new spouse Jim, 84, at his Washington home.

The couple met several years ago and their friendship turned to love last Christmas.

Emma, of Lacey Court, Haslingden, expected to be able to join her husband in the States immediately as his wife.

But the American Embassy informed the couple it could take six months to clear the immigration forms.

Mrs Russell, a former Woolworths manageress, who had never married before, is said to be distraught.

Now Mr Pope has taken up the case by writing to American Ambassador Philip Lader.

He said: "I have asked him to make an exception on compassionate grounds.

"This is a very unusual and beautiful story.

"She is 86 and he is 84. Emma has never been married before and at her age six months is a very long time.

"I just hope that he can do something but if not I shall be contacting Foreign Secretary Robin Cook to see what he could do.

"We have a special relationship with America and this couple have a special relationship.

"I just hope one can sort out the other."