Forty years after their first romance, a Hartlepool couple have re-united to become the first married at Victoria Park.

Linda Longstaff, 60, and Frank Bujnowski, 62, were teenage sweethearts in the swinging sixties before going their separate ways.

But on Friday afternoon they cemented their newfound love for each other by tying the knot in an historic ceremony in Pools' luxurious Centenary Suite.

It's the first time a couple have said their vows at The Vic since the Football Club was granted its wedding licence earlier this year.

"I used to go out with Linda when I was 20 and she was just 18 but as you do, we split up and went our own way. We both married other people and didn't see each other for years," explained Frank, who is now retired but used to work for the Expanded Metal Company in town.

"Unfortunately Linda lost her husband a few years ago and we started bumping into each other again. Then one thing led to another and we got together and today is the result of that."

The couple decided to get married at Victoria Park due to the size of their congregation and found the facilities at the Club to be just what they needed.

"We wanted to have all of our grand-children here and when we looked in to the available venues, we came down to the ground and it was ideal really," said Linda, a former Hartlepool Mail worked and current Sales Co-ordinator.

"It's extra special because we're the first couple to get married here too," she added.

Frank and Linda were guests of the Club for Saturday's League One game against Walsall and were presented to the Victoria Park crowd on the pitch at half time.

Next weekend they are to visit London to see a West End Show but they are also planning to visit Paris soon to celebrate their marriage in style.

If you like the idea of getting married at Victoria Park then call Sarah or Natalie on 01429 272 584 (Option 3) for more information or email commercial@hartlepoolunited.co.uk