Love is in the air for a smitten Suffolk couple whose blossoming romance is proof it is never too late to be swept off your feet.

Ipswich Star: Peter Franklin Mann and Audrey Rose Lowe have fallen in love. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPeter Franklin Mann and Audrey Rose Lowe have fallen in love. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

It may be early days in Audrey Lowe and Peter Mann’s relationship – they met at Carlford Court in Ipswich last September – but the besotted pair are already planning a future together.

Until Mr Mann moved in six months ago, Mrs Lowe admitted she was feeling lonely after losing her husband – a sentiment he has shared since his wife died.

Now the couple have found love again in each other – and staff at Carlford Court say the loved-up duo cannot stop smiling.

“It’s early days, but we suit each other,” said Mrs Lowe.

Ipswich Star: Peter Franklin Mann and Audrey Rose Lowe have fallen in love. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPeter Franklin Mann and Audrey Rose Lowe have fallen in love. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

“We spent a lot of time together, and get on really well.

“We clicked, like the young people say, we just clicked.

She added: “For Valentine’s Day which is coming up soon we’re having a meal cooked, and most of the 14th we’ll probably just stay here but that’s where we like spending our time.

“I’m taking him to a dance in the middle of March at Gresham’s, which should be a lot of fun. We’re also planning to go to Norfolk for a holiday hopefully in April, we decided to book one very recently on a bit of a spur of the moment type thing.”

Ipswich Star: Peter Franklin Mann and Audrey Rose Lowe have fallen in love. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPeter Franklin Mann and Audrey Rose Lowe have fallen in love. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

The couple, who staff say are spending as much time as they can together, have a seven-year age gap. But Mrs Lowe said this does not phase her.

She added: “I guess he is a bit of a toyboy because I’m 82 and he’s 75. The age gap doesn’t phase me at all, not one bit.

“I’ve been here for 25 years, before I moved in here I was in Wrabness. Peter is the new boy.”

Long-term resident Mrs Lowe lost her husband Sidney Lowe, known as Sam, two years ago.

Mr Mann’s wife Fay also passed away a few years ago.

He travelled to France for a short time after she died, but returned home last year.

Mr Mann said: “We were both very lonely, and we met up in here and found out we like one another. It is nice to have someone to spend time with, and we do suit each other well.

“Before I came I spent some time in France but wanted to come back home.

He added: “The staff treat us well and are nice and friendly.”

Staff working at the complex said they are delighted for the happy couple – and cannot wait to see where the relationship takes them.