A COUPLE who are celebrating love the second time around are helping to organise a Valentine’s Day wedding vow renewal service.

David and Jennifer Wilcox married in 2007 in St Michael and All Angels, in Witton Gilbert, near Durham City, having both been widowed.

On Thursday, the pair, who are both retired, will renew their vows at the church where they married second time around and are inviting other couples to take part in the service.

Jennifer was widowed in 2001 and David three years later.

Mrs Wilcox said: "The church and our circle of friends were very supportive of us when we went through difficult times and I think they were willing us to get together.

"People have been very supportive and it was the wedding of the year in the village."

Mr Wilcox added: "We had known each other for years, and our children knew each other as well. As part of the same circle of friends, we have always enjoyed each other’s company and we got together as a couple after having a cup of coffee together. That was in 2006 and we were married in 2007.

"We are delighted to be helping to organise the service and see it as a real celebration of marriage. It gives people the chance to renew their vows."

Canon Caroline Dick said: "I can't think of a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by returning to the church in which your married life began, renewing your marriage vows and sharing memories with others for whom our church means so much."

Couples wishing to take part can simply turn up for the 7pm service. People attending are invited to gather afterwards at the Travellers Rest, in Witton Gilbert.