Alf decided travelling alone was becoming boring, so he booked a cruise with a well-known company specialising in holidays for singles.

Although he longed to find that someone special, Alf was realistic in his expectations.

Alf immediately noticed Grace during their first dinner on board.

They struck up a conversation and found they had a lot in common.

Growing fond of one another, they were now dreading the inevitable - it was time to go home.

Grace broached the subject of their meeting up again and Alf was thrilled.

Living only twenty miles apart, they were able to get together regularly. After seeing each other for several months, Alf proposed to Grace.

She wanted to accept but felt they were too old at seventy and worried about how her family would react.

But they were happy for her, and encouraged by their comments, she said yes.

Julia Meanwell is a relationship counsellor and can be contacted at julia@meanwell.freeserve.co.uk