An elderly couple showed love has no age limit when they tied the knot at a care home in Edgware yesterday.

David Thomas, 83, finally married the love of his life and partner of nearly 25 years Kathleen Claydon, 89, during an emotional ceremony at Appletree Court care home, in Burnt Oak Broadway.

Barnet Registry Office applied for a special licence to carry out the service at the home, where Mr Thomas, who is terminally ill, has recently been moved.

Care home staff prepared the groom in a smart suit and tie, while the bride was given away by long-term friend Brian Manley in a traditional white outfit.

Best man and long-term friend Peter Greenwood provided the rings as the couple, at times shedding tears of joy, made their vows of devotion to one another.

Mr Thomas, a passionate gardener who was employed by Post Office throughout his working life, said: “It means the world to me. After 22 years waiting, it has been a long time. She’s the most wonderful person in the world and she has my undying love. It makes me so happy – I’m so fortunate.”

Cycling enthusiast Mr Thomas, who has never married, first met Mrs Claydon, known as Kitty to her friends, soon after the pair had left school more than 60 years ago.

Her first husband William passed away almost 25 years ago and after years of grief, Mr Thomas stepped in to provide essential support for his lifelong friend and her sister Mary.

As their relationship blossomed, Mr Thomas declared his love for Kitty and the couple spent almost 22 happy years together at her home in Queen’s Walk, Kingsbury.

And despite popping the question himself several times over the years, it was Mrs Claydon who recently proposed to her long-term love to make his dreams come true on Tuesday.

Mrs Claydon, who once spent a year in Amsterdam as a diamond selector and had a long career in modelling, said: “He’s a lovely man and I have nothing but praise for him – he’s been a wonderful partner.

“I couldn’t have wished for a better person to have looked after me for all those years. He’s the nicest and most sincere man I’ve ever met. He wanted always to get married and this is one way for me to repay all the years of love he gave me.”

The wedding is the first ever held at the care home in Burnt Oak and excited staff prepared tea and cakes for the guests and gathered around the room as the service took place.

Best man Mr Greenwood, 64, said: “I think he always adored her. It just goes to show, love has no age barriers. I know how much he loved her and wanted to marry her. This means so much to him.”

Care home manager Patricia Waldron added: “It is a lovely story and so exciting for us to have our first wedding here. They both love each other and, it just goes to show, you are never too old to get married.”