Forget singles nights and dating agencies. Love has blossomed in the strangest of places - over the bingo tables at City of York Council's supported housing development for the elderly - Glen Lodge. And in true Valentine's Day spirit, the couple are getting married later this month.

Fred Smith (75), a resident at the council's independent supported housing development, met Betty Turner (72) when she, and other residents from Langley House, joined in with the Bingo sessions at Glen Lodge.

As their friendship grew, Betty started to accompany Fred, who is partially sighted, into town, enabling him to do things that he could no longer do alone. Fred said: "When I first spoke to Betty, I said that I just needed a friend, and I really found one in her."

Fred explained why he wanted to marry, saying: "I wanted to make it legal an binding so that she couldn't get away!"

The happy couple, both widowers, will tie the knot on Saturday, February 22, at 2.00pm at Heworth Methodist Church.

The couple have asked for donations to St. Leonard's Hospice rather than presents.