COUPLE'S FAMILIES HAVE BEEN HOSTING STALLS AT TOWN'S ANNUAL EVENT FOR NEARLY A CENTURY

TWO traders at Ilkeston’s Charter Fair remain very much in love, more than 33 years after they first locked eyes - and the fair itself is where the romance first bloomed.

- By OSCAR FISHER

Renny and Sarah Mulhearn had their first date on South Street, Ilkeston, during the fair more than three decades ago.

Renny’s family have occupied the plot they currently trade on each year for 97 years, while Sarah’s family occupied a plot down the road.

Renny’s family always had game stalls, while Sarah’s family sold sweets.

Sarah would fetch the sweets and Renny would trade toys and games, until they finally bit the bullet and became an item.

Now, the pair sell sweets, burgers and hot dogs out of their ‘Confection Perfection’ van - although they trade online as Funfair and Candyfloss.

Although they are from Wakefield, the pair say that Ilkeston is a “special” and “emotional” place.