When Norma and Chris Harvey got together, many people thought their relationship wouldn’t last because of the 32-year age gap.

But the couple have defied the critics and are celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary on Friday.

Grandmother Norma, 63, and Chris, 31, shocked their families and friends when they moved in together and got engaged just weeks after they met.

Despite the odds, their relationship has gone from strength to strength and they are still very much in love.

The couple, from Heron Court, Whitehawk, Brighton, say the secret of their relationship is good communication and plenty of give and take.

They are particularly determined to enjoy every day to the full and make the most of life after Norma nearly died last year following complications from a bowel operation.

The pair met at a Butlins holiday camp in Pwhelli, Wales, in 1997 and hit it off straight away.

Norma left her husband in Cheshire and the couple were engaged four weeks later before tying the knot at a ceremony at Brighton Pavilion on August 28 1999.

Mrs Harvey said: “The age gap is not a problem in any way at all.

“We are just like any other normal couple and have the same likes, dislikes and problems as everyone else.

“We are still just as much in love today as we were when we first met.

“We communicate well and understand each other. We accept our differences and we give and take.

“Ours may be a massive age gap but we are soul mates and we cannot be without each other.”

One of Mrs Harvey's favourite memories was a special free wedding blessing ceremony the couple had last year which included a piper, harpist and red carpet.

The former singer said: “It was organised really quickly for us by a friend and it was beautiful. I felt as if I was in a dream.”

Mr Harvey, who says he once dated Katie Price when they were both students at Patcham High School, said: “Norma and I have different tastes in some areas. I like dance music while she likes Cliff Richard for example.

“But at the end of the day, no matter what anyone has ever said about us, we are still together and have stayed together through both the good and the bad times.”

The couple will be making an appearance on GMTV on the morning of their anniversary to talk about their experiences.