Express & Star

They say you’re never too old to fall in love – and Wolverhampton couple Dennis Jones and Sophie Scragg will prove that when they marry next week at a combined age of 171.

Mr Jones, aged 85, and Mrs Scragg, 86, will tie the knot at Wolverhampton Register Office on Tuesday in front of proud family and friends. The pair met at Low Hill’s Chris Laws Day Centre and love blossomed after Mr Jones engineered it for Mrs Scragg to sit next to him on a day trip to Upton upon Severn in Worcestershire.

Mr Jones, who has been with his bride-to-be for four years, said: “I had admired her from afar for a while and when I heard about the trip to Upton, I called the day centre manager and asked if we could sit together on the coach.”

Mrs Scragg said: “Dennis is very romantic and when we were sitting in the restaurant in Upton, he took the flowers off the table and said ‘Will you marry me’.

“I can’t believe that four years later it’s actually happening and I can’t wait.”

Mrs Scragg, who was widowed 11 years ago and has 10 children, said she will be wearing a coral coat and skirt on the big day and be given away by her son Fred, who will also be turning 60.

Mr Jones, who lost his first wife 30 years ago and has three step-sons, will be suited and booted for the ceremony before the reception at Goodyear Sport & Social Club on Stafford Road.

Day centre manager Chris Smith said: “I have been here for 24 years and it’s the first time we have had anyone tie the knot.

“It is really nice for them and all their friends here.”

Mr Jones was born in Whitmore Reans, and worked at Harpers foundry, in Willenhall, while Mrs Scragg was born on the Lear narrow boat in Broad Street, Wolverhampton, where she lived with her parents and four siblings transporting goods on the canals.

The sweethearts moved in together two weeks ago and are now living in a flat in Bushbury. In preparation for their big day, the centre threw a bingo-themed party at the centre yesterday and Mrs Scragg dressed up in a feather boa and illuminating headband.