CHILDHOOD sweethearts who began dating in secondary school have tied the knot after 12 years together.

Sarah Johnson, 27, a risk manager in BAE Systems, has married Joe Tindale, 28, a telecommunications engineer for Openreach.

The couple, who are both from Barrow, first met in St Bernard’s School in 2009.

Sarah said: "Joe was in the year above me and we started talking after school through MSN.

"We progressed from talking on MSN to going on our first date at the cinemas and the rest is history!

"We have been in a relationship for 12 years, so we are best friends and childhood sweethearts.

"We didn’t know at the time of meeting but both of our families are from the small town of Barga in Italy.

"We took an amazing trip here in 2019 before Covid started."

The smitten pair got engaged on a family trip to Portugal in 2019.

"It was a total surprise," Sarah said: "

"Joe had asked my mum and dad before we flew out.

"Joe asked me if we wanted to go for a walk before dinner along the cliff tops in Carvoeiro. I was taking a picture and turned round to find him on one knee. It was very romantic as the sun was just setting at the time."

The couple got married at St Columba’s Church on Walney Island, which is the pair's family church.

They then travelled to the Merewood Country House Hotel in Windermere for the reception alongside 80 people.

"We were meant to get married on June 12 2021, but had had to postpone it due to Covid. We were happy to wait another year if it meant we could have more people with us on the day," Sarah said.

"We both got ready at our family homes, which was lovely. The service was very emotional and we were both just relieved and happy to finally be married.

"We went up to the Merewood in vintage cars where there was AnnaKate the Harpist and welcome drinks and canapés.

"We then sat down for speeches and food. The speeches were amazing, despite everyone being so nervous about delivering them.

"The food at the Merewood was wonderful, we couldn’t fault it.

"We then had our evening reception where Emma Howarth played sax followed on by Ulpha590. It was great and everyone was dancing all night!

"Our favourite memory aside from the speeches was going down to the lake with the photographer Eftal for some photos.

"It was the first time we had properly been alone together all day.

"The weather turned out to be perfect on the day, it did rain for about 10 minutes in the evening but all in all it was ideal. We loved spending time with all of our friends and family; they made sure we had the best day."

The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Langdale followed by a trip to Greece straight after the wedding. All photography featured is by Ladybirds Photography.