Age is no concern at all for an elderly couple who are due to marry next Saturday.

Albert O’Neill, 84, and Hilda Graves, 81, first met each other at the Age Concern centre in Woodlands Road, Gillingham, three years ago. But Cupid’s arrow didn’t strike until the centre organised a day trip to Eastbourne.

Hilda, who lives with Albert in Campleshon Road, Rainham, said: “We were sitting next to each other on the coach, when he suddenly leaned over and kissed me. I said ‘he’s a bit cheeky isn’t he.’

“When we were coming home, the coach was dropping Albert off at his bungalow and I said to him, ‘I’d like to come and see that one day’, and I’ve been here ever since really – although I spend two days a week at my flat.”

Albert said: “She’s forgetting part of the story.

“When we got to Eastbourne I was in a lot of pain with my back. I had sciatica.

All the other members went off for the day, while Hilda and I spent the whole day looking for somewhere that sold painkillers.

“I must have kissed more than one woman that day as the bus was full of them. It just happened; the chemistry was there.”

Both have been married once before. Albert’s first wife, Bridget died five years ago, and Hilda’s husband, Edward, passed away 10 years ago.

Hilda said: “I used to say a little prayer to God to bring me someone to love again – and he did. I just love Albert.”

Albert and Hilda’s big day will take place at St Margaret’s Church, High Street, Rainham, followed by a reception at the King Charles Hotel in Gillingham.

They are planning a honeymoon in Norfolk in November.

Yvonne Graves, Hilda’s daughter-in-law, said: “The whole family absolutely adores Albert.

“Hilda couldn’t have found anyone better. They are well suited, and we are all looking forward to the wedding.”