A COUPLE who have been engaged for 33 years have finally tied the knot.

Josie Plant, 74 and Tony Mannion, 60, from Great Sankey, met at a party in September 1985.

And on Friday – more than three decades on – they finally said their I dos in front of delighted friends and family.

Josie was presented with a surprise engagement ring by Tony at Christmas after opening their other presents.

The grandma of seven and great-grandma of seven said: “I was going on 40 when we met and Tony was 14 years younger – he was my toyboy.

“At Christmas he told me to take all of my other rings off and said this new ring was my engagement ring.

“But after that, we didn’t speak about getting married.

“We were just really relaxed being together and didn’t ever think about needing a wedding.”

But after returning from holiday and hearing about another couple getting married, it was time for the wedding planning to get under way.

“It made us think that we should get married and within a week we had sorted it out,” said former seamstress Josie.

“It was a big surprise to everyone.

Warrington Guardian:

The happy couple

“I wondered whether we should go on holiday to get married, have a party at home or do a quick wedding at the register office.”

Tony, who also turned 60 on what turned out to be a momentous Friday, suggested they get married on his birthday and have a double celebration.

All of Josie and Tony’s family and friends joined the happy couple at Warrington Register Office and the reception at the Villagio Hotel on Folly Lane in Bewsey.

Despite the difference in age, Josie said: “It has never felt like there is a 14-year age gap, I think we are both the same.

“Friday was such a lovely day, we had a wonderful time.”

Granddaughter Kayley Bonehill was Josie’s maid of honour, Kayley’s daughter Isabelle was flower girl and one of Josie’s other granddaughters Olivia was a bridesmaid.

Tony’s step-brother Stuart Whittaker served as best man and both he and Tony gave speeches that made everyone cry.

Josie and Tony are jetting off to Mexico for their honeymoon next week – their first holiday as Mr and Mrs Mannion.