In 2002 Southam resident Julie Phillips set about organising a reunion for Southam School's class of 1983.

One of those she contacted was old classmate Brian Branston - and as plans for the event blossomed, so did their relationship.

Julie, 41, an outpatients booking clerk at Warwick Hospital, said: "When I was organising the reunion I was in a darts team with Brian's aunt and she asked if I wanted his number.

"We agreed to meet up and just instantly clicked.

"We both liked soul music, were big Paul Weller fans and enjoyed comedy.

"There was just something there that made us get on really well."
The pair - known as Babs and Biz at school - went on a few dates and within a couple of weeks decided they wanted to be together.

Julie said: "From the moment of that first date I just knew and he felt the same. Within two or three dates that was it and we have been inseparable ever since."

The couple, who both have sons from previous relationships, plan to get married at Warwick Register Office in September.

Brian, 41, a store manager at Pearl Motor Yachts in Stratford, said: "When we first met up I thought there would be a big crowd of people, but it was just the two of us.

"I took her out to a pub and she made me laugh. We did really just click together.

"It is quite strange because when we were at school we never thought about each other in that sort of way. But getting married feels really natural, it's the next step for us."

Julie's 16-year-old son Dale will give her away and Brian's son Chad, 14, is going to be the best man.

Julie said: "We really wanted the boys to be involved. They have been there from the beginning and we love them dearly and wanted them around us on the day. But they won't be going on the honeymoon!"

A number of their school friends who attended the reunion have been invited to the couple's wedding and a reception in the Grange Hall in Southam.