It was love at first byte for internet romantics John Owen and Kimberley Cleland when they logged on to an international chat room.

When she finally flew into the UK from the US, two years after they first met on the web, the attraction was confirmed.

Grandfather John, of Buckswood Drive, Gossops Green, Crawley, said: "When we first met we looked into each other's eyes and just melted into each other. We realised what we had felt from 8,000 miles away was just as real close up.

"I knew as soon as I saw Kimberley that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her."

Kimberley, who is beginning her new life in Crawley, said: "When I saw John, he was everything I pictured he would be. He was handsome, kind, smiling, funny and sophisticated looking."

The couple tied the knot at Crawley register office just before Christmas. Shortly afterwards, Kimberley return to sell her home near Los Angeles and flew back on Sunday afternoon to begin married life after two years of online romance.

The pair, both divorcees, met in an internet chat room just after John had bought a computer.

He said: "Kimberley contacted me because she was amused at the description I had put in about myself saying I liked taking my dog for a walk and listening to his advice.

"She contacted me at 4am and was surprised to find me still up. I said I couldn't sleep. I asked her about herself and she said she was blonde and gorgeous. At first I thought it was a bloke trying to wind me up."

Kimberley, 50, who has a 29-year-old son, sent a photograph of herself on the internet and John thought she looked younger than his daughter.

They began exchanging photographs and talking on the phone.

John, who has three children aged 22, 25 and 27 and two grandchildren, said: "I fell in love with her photos and her sexy voice."

Kimberley came over for the first time in October and stayed with John for 17 days after which they had to go through the pain of parting.

John said: "She said she would be back in January but after two weeks I told her I couldn't wait that long. She rang a few days later to say she had managed to get some time off work but then neither of us could afford the air fare.

"She was given the money by her mother and sister and was here within a few days. Five days later we got married."

Kimberley was given away by her sister Candace West who flew over for the big day and the bridesmaid was John's four-year-old granddaughter Erin.

Because there was no time to make arrangements, the couple had a buffet at the Crawley home of John's aunt and went for drinks at The Windmill in Gossops Drive.

Kimberley arrived on Sunday with her son and daughter-in-law who were meeting John for the first time.

She said: "I am so excited at the prospect of living in Crawley. I am going to miss home but we will be able to visit my family."