WHEN Bernice Walsh and Eric Knowles were bridesmaid and best man at each other's weddings they never imagined that nearly 50 years later they would walk down the aisle together!

Love blossomed for the couple after the death of their first partners and they are getting married this Saturday at St Edward's Church, Darwen - the same church where each tied the knot back in 1950.

As an added bonus for former auxiliary nurse and shop manager Bernice, 68, her daughter Kathleen, whom she hasn't seen for 12 years, has travelled from Australia for the big day.

Eric, 71, a retired plumber, has two sons, two daughters, 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He lost his wife Mary in 1991.

Bernice, who has four daughters, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild, lost her husband Ken two years later.

"The four of them had been friends since childhood," explained Kathleen.

"They stayed close but mum and Eric lost contact after they were both bereaved. It was just by chance they met up about two years ago and things gently took off from there.

"Everybody is delighted for them."

All of their children are attending the wedding and reception at the former Hoddlesden Conservative Club. They will live together in Earnsdale Avenue, Darwen.

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