A SECRETARY from Bewdley is marrying her childhood sweet-heart more than four decades after they drifted apart - thanks to the power of the internet.

Jennie Hilliage had not heard from one-time next door neighbour Rob Abbotts since the early 60s until he suddenly sent her an e-mail in January.

It came via Friends Reunited, a website which brings together old school chums.

The two met up for the first time on February 9 and, after a six-week whirlwind romance, decided to get hitched when Rob got down on one knee during a romantic stroll in the country.They plan to wed next year. Jennie and Rob toast their future life together.

Jennie said it was "like walking back in time".

She said: "I never thought anything like this would ever happen when I put my details on the website. It is just like a fairy story."

Jennie last saw Rob, 52, more than 40 years ago when he had to move away after part of their street, in Birmingham, was demolished.

Jennie, 53, who has lived in Bewdley for 30 years, said: "We went to the same schools and lived next to one another so it was sad when we didn't see each other any more."

It would take four decades before the two spoke again when Rob, now a butcher and living in Frankley, Birmingham, sent Jennie an e-mail via the website. It features comments and contact details for friends who have drifted apart.

She said: "I first heard from him in January and couldn't believe it after all this time, it was so nice to hear from him.

"We e-mailed each other for about a week and talked on the phone for the very first time for an hour and a half - it was like we had never been apart.

"The first time we met we gave each other a big hug and talked for 10 hours.

"I could still see the same face from when we were little and it felt like we were just picking up where we left off."

The couple, who each have two grown-up children, had both lost their spouses to multiple sclerosis.

Jennie, who works as a legal secretary for Wyre Forest District Council, said: "On Valentine's Day I had a dozen red roses sent to work with a beautiful card.

"I asked Rob if he would like a fish and chip supper for Valentine's night and he gave up his regular game of badminton to be with me. We have not stopped seeing each other since."

Jennie said: "I am so happy that Rob came back into my life and I will love him always."