A couple who found love in a Suffolk care home are set to be wed after an emotional proposal in front of residents and staff. 

Susan Lomax, 71, and Jim Fowler, 73, met around six months ago when Susan moved into Barham Care Centre, where Jim was already a resident.

The pair, who are both widowed, hit it off from the moment they met and, on October 6, Jim popped the question while the pair were in the care home lounge.

Ipswich Star: The pair met at Barham Care CentreThe pair met at Barham Care Centre (Image: Charlotte Bond) 

While Jim said it was Susan's eyes that drew him in, Susan said: "We both joined in with the activities here and we just sort of clicked from day one.

"He is a real gentleman and he is so considerate.

"I had no idea that he would propose at all. He went off and then when he came back he said 'Will you marry me?' I was so excited." 

Ipswich Star: Jim popped the question while in the lounge with residents and staffJim popped the question while in the lounge with residents and staff (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Home manager Cathrine Arbon described the pair as "two little lovebirds" and said: "Jim proposed in the lounge in front of the residents and staff - there were tears and laughter and it was just really nice.

"We are planning to have an engagement party and then the wedding will probably be a service in the church up the road and then the after party will be here with all the residents."

Ipswich Star: The pair plan to marry next yearThe pair plan to marry next year (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Susan and Jim have now met each other's families, and Susan said Jim gets on very well with her son. 

They plan to purchase a ring in January 2024 and marry in the early summer. 

"We are all very excited for the wedding and to have found love," Susan said. 

"Never give up. There is always somebody there that you don't even know is going to be there."