Reaching a silver wedding anniversary is a major milestone for any married couple - but one Bradford husband is celebrating his second.

Eric Ross thought the chances of finding love again were gone when his first wife, Lillian, tragically died of cancer in 1978 aged 52.

But a few months later, spurred on by the wishes of his dying wife to live life to the full, he walked down the aisle for a second time.

Now 25 years on, Eric and second wife Alma, who live in Park Road, Thackley, are celebrating their silver wedding anniversary.

"When we got married in October 1978 many people said it was too soon," said 68-year-old Alma.

"Lillian had died earlier that year but herself and Eric had had a talk when she was ill and she told him that life goes on.

"She said that people musn't stagnate and that he must live life. She was a very strong lady.

"After Lillian passed away Eric and his boys were going on a trip to Grassington and he asked if I wanted to go with them.

"I said yes and from there we knew we would be together."

Alma first met Eric and Lillian at Church House in North Parade, Bradford, now the Abundant Life Centre, where they worshipped, sang in the choir and socialised.

Eric, now 79, married Lillian in February, 1949, and they had three children, Andrew, Janet and Joan.

The couple also adopted another son called Mark. Alma also has three children, Janet, Brian and David, from a previous marriage.

The couple, who have not had any children together, have a total of 16 grandchildren, many of which will be at the silver wedding party.

Eric, a retired BT employee, said: "We are both still very happily married. It has had its little ups and downs, especially when we got married and our children moved in together.

"But if we wanted to talk we would go down to The Shoulder of Mutton pub in Thackley for a relaxing drink."

Eric and Alma are holding their silver wedding anniversary party for more than 100 friends and family members at Idle Working Men's Club next Friday.