MANY thought he'd never make it, but Britain's most married man Ron Sheppard is today celebrating his first anniversary to his eighth wife.

The 57-year-old from Lansdowne Row, off Madresfield Road, in Malvern, said that he was looking forward to at least 25 good years of marriage to Weng, aged 27, who is from the Philippines.

He said: "They say there is someone in the world for everyone and I have found the right one at last.

"It took me a few marriages but I have found her.

"The past year has been wonderful.

"I have re-found my faith, I'm a born-again Christian, and it's been like one long honeymoon."

The couple met in 2004. Mr Sheppard, a retired entertainer, was put in contact with a Christian fellowship in the Philippines, which Weng belonged to, in March of that year following the death of his mother just a month earlier.

The pair began writing to each other and eventually met in May 2004, strong feelings between the two developed.

Since getting married, Mr Sheppard has not only re-found his faith but he has also quit smoking and lost weight.

He said: "This marriage has done me the world of good."

Mr Sheppard first married in 1966 when he was just 19.

He has eight children, whom he says are supportive of this marriage to Weng.

He said: "I can totally recommend being married if you are with the right person.

"But I'd advise people to talk first and really get to know a person."