A ROMANTIC couple who have been married for almost three decades could land a dream holiday to Mauritius in a national television contest.

The story of Ron and Elizabeth Springthorpe's marriage touched colleagues at the Asda store in Spennymoor, who nominated them for the grand final of a competition on ITV's Des and Mel show.

The pair met on a Yorkshire roadside when Ron and his father stopped to help two women whose car had broken down on the way to visit a friend in Manchester.

The women missed their friend, so returned to stay with Mr Springthorpe and his father for the night. Four weeks later, Elizabeth had found a job in the area and accepted a marriage proposal from Ron.

For the past 27 years, Mr and Mrs Springthorpe, of St David's Close, Spennymoor, have faced tough times including illness and low income.

Mr Springthorpe said: "We've had difficult spells but always fought through everything together. We've never managed to have children, but have been very happy together. It would be lovely to win the holiday, as it would be the honeymoon we've never had and my wife deserves for being so caring, sharing and loyal."

Mrs Springthorpe said: "Ron has always looked after me and we've been there for each other. We're as happy together now as when we first fell in love."

Asda store manager Neil Tynemouth presented the couple with a gift voucher and Valentine's bouquet yesterday, and wished them luck in this week's holiday draw.