RAY Waters had the best Chinese takeaway of his life in Ipswich – his wife.All Ray was expecting from Tim Lee's was a chicken curry with beanshoots, but he ended up with – Nancy.

RAY Waters had the best Chinese takeaway of his life in Ipswich – his wife.

All Ray was expecting from Tim Lee's was a chicken curry with beanshoots, but he ended up with – Nancy.

Ray and Nancy were married three years after their Chinese whispers developed into international love letters.

But it needed a bit of detective work by 64-year-old Australian Ray before their correspondence could begin.

He said: "I'd been on holiday in Ipswich visiting my daughter and we'd been for a day out to Lowestoft when I decided to get us a Chinese meal for dinner.

"A lady walked in and said 'You don't sound like you come from round here' and it all started from there.

"It turned out we both came from Kent originally and we chatted for a while, but we didn't get each other's names.

"I got back to Australia and thought I'd been a bit of an idiot, so I decided to write to her."

Enterprising Ray wrote to Lee's Takeaway, in Bramford Lane, to tell of his mystery woman and a hunt for the lady began.

Eventually owner Tim realised he was writing about Nancy and persuaded her to write back.

Ray said: "Apparently she was a bit weak at the knees when she got home – it's not every day you find a mystery suitor when you're in your 60s."

A three-year long distance love affair began which was strengthened when Ray made another visit to Ipswich to see his daughter.

The happy couple finally tied the knot on Saturday after Ray decided to up-sticks to Suffolk. Guest of honour was match-maker Mr Lee.

Blushing bride Nancy, 68, is certainly pleased her persistent partner decided to track her down.

She said: "I've never been so happy in my life. I think it's all quite romantic.

"He's a very interesting man to talk to and a wonderful husband."

Ray's takeaway bride was his second bit of luck.

He was part of a syndicate which won a million Australian dollars in a lottery.

Mr Lee said he was really happy for the couple. He said: "When this chap sent me a letter from Australia it was a bit of a shock because I don't know anyone out there.

"I did not think anything of it and then Nancy popped up and I told her that it could be her and that she should write to the chap.

"She wrote to him and he came over on holiday and the next thing I know they are giving me a box of chocolates.

"At the end of the day it is someone's emotions you are messing with but they both clicked.

"I am really really happy for them and wish them all the best."

Mr Lee was invited to the wedding and it was the first British one he had ever been to.

Although successful with his matchmaking, Mr Lee has no plans to give up his takeaway business to outdo Cilla Black.