ROMANTIC couple Jim Allman and Ethel Pearson have proved that it’s never too late to fall in love.

For the pair, aged 85 and 84 respectively, got married yesterday in the care home where they live and first met only 17 months ago.

Even though Jim likes football while Ethel prefers to watch Coronation Street and Emmerdale, both insist they are perfect soulmates.

“I just feel in love,” said Ethel, who wore a blue outfit for her big day.

Meanwhile new husband Jim quipped: “We get on all right, we are like two peas in a pod, but I’m still the boss.”

They tied the knot in a ceremony at Pelton Grange Care Home, Pelton, near Chesterle- Street, County Durham, surrounded by family and friends. Care home residents Rosemary Rawson, 89, and Roy Smith, 86, were maid of honour and best man.

Ethel’s son, Prentice Pearson, said the family was delighted she had found love again.

“We are over the moon about it,” he said. “She has always been one for surprises and this is just another one.’’ Jim, from Coventry, served with the Chindits in Burma during the Second World War and moved to Perkinsville, near Chester-le-Street, after marrying local girl Mary, with whom he had two boys. He now has seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Ethel, originally came from Scotland, but moved south to live in Perkinsville, Pelton and Newfield after marrying first husband, Lesley.

She has four sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Ethel moved to Pelton Grange three years ago, but love blossomed when Jim arrived last January.

The groom said: “She was sitting opposite me for breakfast and her blue eyes affected me. She has nice blue eyes, you know.

“In the morning when we got up I’d knock on her door and say ‘come on, it is time for breakfast’. When you get on in years it is companionship.

“My wife died years ago. I lived on my own. I had people to talk to but it isn’t the same and you do get a bit lonely.’’ Ethel said she was attracted to Jim’s personality. “I said to Jim ‘would you like to get married?’ and he agreed.’’ Jim said: “We get on famous’’ and Ethel added: “We don’t argue’’.

Mr Pearson praised the efforts of Lynn Proudfoot, the home’s activities leader, who helped prepare for the home’s first wedding. “Lynn has put in a hell of a lot of hard work to make this happen,’’ he said.