Derbyshire couple who first met at primary school finally tie the knot

Rob and Mandy Vardy grew up in South Normanton, becoming friends first as neighbours and fellow pupils at The Green Infant School.

Their parents were close, and Mandy’s father was Rob’s godfather, laying the foundations for a story which spanned decades and finally culminated in a romance and a proposal of marriage.

Rob made his proposal at the primary school when he took Mandy back there for a nostalgic visit earlier this year.

He said: “We both attended Green Infant School, which we remember as a very safe place with a brilliant atmosphere.

"It was fantastic to go back there to ask Mandy to marry me.”

In the months since, and in the face of coronavirus restrictions, it looked like the couple’s plans to marry in December might be impossible.

But with a short window of opportunity, and all the will in the world, the couple decided that no pandemic was going to get in the way of their big day.

Hearing news that the wedding was going ahead, staff and children at Green Infant School created a handmade card filled with messages from the pupils.

Rob said: “It was a very magical moment when we opened the card from the children that attend now, and we saw how many feelings and how much work they had put into making it.

"We will treasure the card and are going to have it framed to go on our wall at the side of our wedding photo. To all the children and staff at the school, very, very many heartfelt thanks.”

Head teacher at Green Infant School, Phillippa Whitton, said it was a rare privilege to be a part of such a great story.

She said: “I don’t think many head teachers get to see former pupils, albeit before my time, return to the school which clearly meant so much to them. What a heart-warming story this has been for all to witness, and the whole school community is thrilled that their big day went so well.

"From all of us, we want to wish Rob and Mandy congratulations and a very happy life together.”