Two amateur theatre enthusiasts are set to take centre stage for one of the biggest events of their lives - their wedding day.

Michael Johnson, 60, and Jean Baines, 68, both members of Rawdon Amateur Operatic Society, starred in their first musical together 30 years ago and after a seven-year romance have decided to tie the knot.

And the couple's grown-up children - all former members of the drama group - will take on supporting roles on the big day.

Mr Johnson's eldest son, Neil, is to be best man while Mrs Baines's daughter, Deborah Evans, will be a witness. Her eldest son David, one of the children who starred in the society's production of South Pacific in the 1960s, will give his mother in marriage.

The ceremony will take place at Bradford Register Office on Saturday, followed by a blessing and communion service at St Michael's and All Angels in Cottingley. They plan to honeymoon in southern Ireland.

Mrs Baines is showing no signs of stage fright. She said: "I'm really happy and looking forward to spending the rest of my life with Michael.

"It's great that we have the same interests because it gives us the chance to spend more time together."

The couple were friends before Mrs Baines's husband, David, died 31 years ago. He offered her a shoulder to cry on and they remained good friends until love blossomed seven years ago.

They live together in Marchcote Lane, Cottingley.

Mrs Baines has been an amateur theatre player for 45 years and Mr Johnson, a security officer with Bradford Council, for 35 years.

The first production they starred in together was Vagabond King with the Idle and Thackley Amateur Operatic Society.

The wedding will be the first time they have taken the lead roles together.

The couple are both holders of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association's medal and bars for their service to the theatre. They also sing in St Michael's Church choir.

Mrs Baines, a former tailoress and dressmaker, attends sugarcraft classes and was making her own wedding cake.

"It will be more personal and mean a lot more to us," she said.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.