'Most of all you're my best friend'

CHANCE ENCOUNTER AT STOCKPORT COUNTY PROVED TO BE THE MATCH OF THE DAY, AS 65 YEARS LATER COUPLE CELEBRATE DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

- By LUDWIK LIPIEC

THEIR story begins at the Stockport County stadium, where teenage footballer Kevan Harrop was playing for Hyde United against the home team.

Ann from Stockport was “never really a football fan” but tagging along with her friend proved significant when post-match she was approached by a player from the rival team.

“I started talking to her, asked her for a date, and I’m here ever after,’ Kevan recalled. “I just liked her. She's down to earth. Still like you, don’t I love?”

Sixty-five years later, Ann Harrop, 80, and Kevan Harrop, 85, celebrated their marriage’s diamond anniversary on Thursday March 19.

From their first date out in Stockport, Kevan’s focus quickly shifted away from football to building a life with Ann. They dated for five years before getting married, and another five years before they started a family, buying a caravan to take their children and in-laws on various holidays.