MICHAEL Schonbeck and Sonja Schnelle not only agreed to spend the rest of their lives together when they were married at the Camelot Castle Hotel, Tintagel, they also took out life membership of English Heritage as a wedding ­present to each other.

Although the couple live in Germany, they visit Tintagel often and love its romance and mystical charm, so it seemed a ­fitting place to celebrate their marriage.

It was 30 years ago, when he was 18-years-old, that Michael made his first visit to Tintagel. He had always been very keen on the King Arthur legend and coming to Tintagel touched him deeply.

As a young student he had very little money and could not really afford the bed and breakfast or camp site fees.

He was prepared to camp on some waste ground when he met Ernie Tremain, who welcomed him to the Headland Camp Site, and was told that he could pay when he could afford it on another visit.

Michael has been returning to the village ever since!

Michael and Sonja's wedding was conducted by David Owen who used to be Superintendent Registrar at Reading Register Office and now lives in Tintagel.

The couple became friends with David and his wife after staying at their bed and breakfast.

They were very pleased that David was willing and able to conduct their ­marriage.

Michael and Sonja ­travelled over from Germany with Sonja's parents, two close friends and Michael's son Tom, who were all guests at the ­wedding.

After the celebrations at the Camelot Castle Hotel the wedding party visited Tintagel Castle where the staff had prepared a little presentation to welcome Michael and Sonja as life members of English Heritage.