CHILDHOOD sweethearts Kathleen and Dennis Leech have renewed their marriage vows, half a century after they first married.

The couple were introduced by their mothers when they were only three on the beach at Scarborough - and love blossomed when they were 15.

The Second World War brought the pair, now both 72, together, when Dennis went to his grandmother's in York for safety.

Kathleen and Dennis, of Moor Road, Stamford Bridge, were keen members of the York City Baths Club at St George's swimming pool and soon became inseparable. The couple, who have two sons, three daughters, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, celebrated their Golden Wedding by renewing their wedding vows at St Wilfrid's Church, York.

They were throwing a special party for family and friends to celebrate at Monkbar Hotel. Their son, Paul, travelled from South Africa to be with his parents on their special day.

Dennis said: "I knew Kathleen was the one for me pretty much from day one. In 50 years we have never ever gone to sleep without telling each other: 'I love you'."

Dennis is writing an autobiography. "I am writing it to show my grandchildren what life was like in the 1930s. It is also about what it was like coming to York at the start of the war and the night of York's Blitz in 1942."

Updated: 08:58 Saturday, March 22, 2003