A HOLIDAY romance could bring fresh blood to the Appleby Bowling team in months to come.

Appleby Bowling Club member Amy Barker, 77, was enjoying a holiday in the sun last November and, as a widow with 51 years of happy marriage behind her, thought romance was in the past. But while she was studying a map of Malta, a fellow traveller came to her assistance and love blossomed.

Former Land Army girl Mrs Barker explained: "I came to Cumbria from Sunderland when I was 17 to join the Land Army at Street House in Warcop. After six months I went to work at Hall Garth Farm in Musgrave and then married Bill Barker from the Chamley Arms in Warcop. During our 51 years together we lived in Culgaith, Penrith, and then finally settled in Appleby. I had no intentions of marrying again after he died.

"I love travelling and I decided to have a winter sun break in Malta which is where I met Derrick."

Yorkshireman Derrick Jackson, 80, served in the army for 16 years in Germany in 1944, 45 and 46 before being commissioned and going to Palestine for two years, seeing service in Tripoli and Libya. He ended his military career at the GHQ in London where he settled down.

Mr Jackson said: "I had been on my own for ten years and I wasn't looking for love when I went to Malta for a week-long holiday. I had been there first in 1948 on military service. This time I saw a woman with a map and I went over to see if I could assist her and that was it."

The love at first sight was not weakened by miles. The couple stayed in touch and Derrick came to Appleby to spend Christmas with Mrs Barker. During his stay he proposed and though they originally planned to marry in September 2007, family and friends asked them why they were waiting and they brought the date forward to May 24, 2007.

Mrs Barker, who has three sons and a daughter, said: "We both love travelling and we are looking forward to our honeymoon in June for a week, and a trip down the Nile in October.

"We enjoy each other's company and I believe our story shows you are never too old for love and romance."

The couple hope to visit Derrick's daughter in America next year.

Mr Jackson added: "I am very happy that Amy said yes to my proposal and we are looking forward to our wedding day and many years together.

"I am a keen indoor bowls player and I am looking forward to trying my hand at outdoor bowls this summer with Amy at Appleby Bowling Club."

Mrs Barker and Mr Jackson will be married at The Sands Church, Appleby, at 2pm on May 24 with their reception at The Grapes.