Love is in the air for Judith and Mark (From Warrington Guardian)

Love is in the air for Judith and Mark

A SANDIWAY couple discovered the delights of dining out for Valentine's Day yesterday, Tuesday, after winning our Valentine's Day competition.

And this was the first time Judith and Mark Lightfoot, who celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary next month, have spent the rose-tinted event away from home in the history of their relationship.

Teaching assistant Judith, who felt obliged to highlight the love efforts of retired policeman Mark in the Guardian and Amore@Oaklands competition to find the most romantic mid Cheshire couple, was delighted to discover she was a winner in more than just the love stakes.

Judith, 44, said: "I just knew I had to write and am elated to have won. I never expected it.

"Mark and I met when he was on patrol in Market Square and I was working for the Salvation Army. We had quite similar uniforms at the time and he thought I was a policewoman.

"We got chatting and it went from there."

And uniform is not the only thing which united the couple. Mark, 48, said: "We both love foreign travel, photography and motoring and have spent two lovely holidays in New Zealand together.

"I had no idea Judith had entered this competition. It is the most romantic thing she has ever done for me. We normally just celebrate Valentine's at home with a nice meal and champagne."

Judith, who believes honesty is the key to lifelong union, said Mark's wooing ways are worth more than any present.

She added: "He once wrote me a poem and it is so special and means so much, I carry it wherever I go, something Mark does not realise."

Among the treats enjoyed by the lucky couple at The Oaklands Hotel, Gorstage, were a gourmet three-course meal, champagne, red roses and chocolate.