(Image: Supplied)
A Yorkshire couple renewed their vows in a 1940s-themed ceremony after winning a competition celebrating their passion for military history.
Jane Gordon and Ryan Thompson, from Yorkshire, won the competition organised by Eden Camp and Pickering Town CIC.
The married couple renewed their vows during the Back to the 1940s weekend, which celebrates wartime Britain.
Jane and Ryan step back in time as they renew their vows at Eden Camp’s Back to the 1940s weekend. (Image: Supplied)
The ceremony took place on October 10 at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Pickering, followed by a vintage-vehicle ride through the town and a reception at Eden Camp’s Heritage Hall.
In a joint statement, Ms Gordon and Mr Thompson said: "We’re absolutely over the moon to have been chosen.
"The 1940s have always been incredibly special to us because of our family history, our love of living history events, and the military connections that have shaped both our lives.
"Our own relationship began with long periods apart, exchanging messages overseas, which in many ways echoed a wartime story.
"This vow renewal will give us the chance to celebrate our journey, honour our grandparents, and create special memories with our family and friends."
Ms Gordon’s grandfather served in the Polish Army during the Second World War before settling in England, while her grandmother was evacuated to North Yorkshire.
The couple met on an armed forces penpal website during the Covid-19 pandemic while Mr Thompson was serving overseas.
Luke Hudman, marketing manager at Eden Camp, said: "The winning entry perfectly captured everything we hoped the competition would celebrate – a love of history and a personal connection to the wartime generation.
"We were delighted to be able to give them the opportunity to renew their vows."
Carrie Brackstone, operations manager at Pickering Town CIC, said: "Their family’s wartime story spans generations and countries, making the celebration a truly memorable day for their love story and history."
The vow renewal took place during the sold-out Back to the 1940s weekend, a two-day event featuring wartime displays and immersive experiences.
Eden Camp, near Malton, was built in 1942 and is described as Britain’s only remaining prisoner of war camp.
The former camp is now a museum, attracting more than 100,000 visitors in 2023 and over 25,000 schoolchildren a year on educational visits.