MEET love’s young dream.

Kathy Mears and Ray Browning are proof you’re never to old for romance.

And forget about online dating, this couple met on the bus.

“When my husband died I thought I would never find anyone as nice as he was,” said Kathy, 82. “Ray and I used to sit next to one another. My friend June knew I liked him and gave him my phone number.”

Ray, who’s 87 tomorrow, said: “You get attached to one another when you see each other regularly.”

The pair met on board the CTLA Community Transport bus – a project set up to help lonely people find new friends.

But Ray, of Brooks Close, Newhaven, and Kathy, of Lincoln Avenue, Newhaven, found much more than just friendship.

“We’d been to a pub for dinner and I asked one of the other ladies what he was like.

“We decided to start going out with each other and enjoy ourselves for as long as we can.”

They met three years ago this week, but there are no plans for a wedding, yet.

“We always hold hands on the bus,” said Ray, whose wife of more than 50 years died seven years ago. Even though we are a couple we try our best to mix with all the new people who come on the bus.”

The bus picks people up and takes them to different events and venues around area.

Some days it’s a trip to the cinema and other times shopping centres. “We love the Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne,” said Kathy whose husband also died seven years ago.

“And he took me to the airshow which was one of the best things we have done.”

Ray decided to show his commitment by splashing out on a ring – an eternity ring, not an engagement ring. “I asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she said something sparkly, so a ring it was.”

Kathy said: “He’s always spoiling me.”

CTLA is a charity which helps lonely people by providing affordable and accessible community transport and improving quality of life.

Paul Homewood, general manger, said: “I am delighted two of our longstanding members have found a wonderful relationship from our travel club.”

To donate to the CLTA's fundraising campaign www.localgiving.org/commtrans