ROMANCE is in the air this Valentine's Day for two Malvern couples celebrating another chance at love after meeting through a singles club.

Thelma and Brian Ranford and Bill Pittman and Jeannette Partridge got together through Take Two, a local social group for unattached adults.

It was a romantic walk along the river at Eckington that led to Mr and Mrs Ranford's first date.

"We both joined looking for a social life and friendship and we found each other," said Mrs Ranford.

The couple, who are both in their 60s, married a year later at Malvern Register Office, followed by a reception at the Cotford Hotel.

"Well, at our age you don't want to hang about and waste time," said Mrs Ranford.

Shortly after the wedding, the pair both retired and are now looking forward to a retirement spent together.

"We're very lucky. We just get on so well. We can't imagine being without each other now," said Mrs Ranford who is going for a romantic meal with her husband on Valentine's Day.

Next Saturday (February 18), the Ranfords will be attending a Valentine's disco at Rushwick, organised for Take Two by Jeannette Partridge and Bill Pittman. The pair, who are in their 60s, also meet through the club.

Ms Partridge had been a member for years when she first got chatting to Mr Pittman, who joined in December 2004.

They quickly fell for each other and moved in together two months later.

"As you get older you can't go round pubs or discos, the club is a perfect way to meet people," said Mr Pittman.

Like Mr and Mrs Ranford, the couple still go to Take Two social events, where Ms Partridge is on the committee.

"Some people are expecting a dating agency,but it's not. You meet lots and lots of people. It's like a big friends group and if you happen to meet someone it's great," she said.

All are welcome to Take Two's Valentine's disco at Rushwick Village Hall on Saturday, at 7.30pm. Entry for non-members is £3.

Take Two members range in age from 40-80. For more information about joining the group, call 01684 569494 or 01885 483180.