WHEN two young lovers ran away to Scotland to get married having known each other less than three months, their families never thought it would last.

But 50 years later Charles and Margaret van-Kempen proved them wrong as they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

The couple first met in a cafe in Southend, when Mr van-Kempen, now 68, was introduced to his future wife through her aunt.

After a ten-week whirlwind romance they left Southend for Scotland and were married two weeks later.

Mr van-Kempen said: "We were just two young lovers who ran away together because it felt right.

"We were trying to get to Gretna Green, but being young and naive we ended up on the wrong train and arrived in Edinburgh with no money, no job or anything.

"After we were first married our families let us know they didn't think it was a good idea and didn't think we would last.

"I guess they were wrong."

The couple, who now live in Wren Avenue, Eastwood, say the secret to their happy marriage is they started with nothing and they were just two compatible people.

They have two children Shaun, 48, and Michael, 43, as well as four grandchildren and one great grandson.

But Mrs van-Kempen, 66, said the wedding day was not all plain sailing.

She said: "Charles was light fitting at Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum theatre at the time and there was only one day the register office could do.

"He had a job to do, but said he could do it in his lunch hour.

"So he shot up there and we got married in his lunch break.

"The registrar asked for the money and Charles didn't have any, so I paid.

"To this day he hasn't paid me back!

"It was seven and sixpence which today would be worth £6.24. I've said I want it back in old money."