An elderly couple were able to hold hands for the first time in over a YEAR amid the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Frank Whitelow said the sweet reunion with his wife, Sheila, was better than 'winning the lottery'.
Frank, 88, and 82-year-old Sheila had been apart for more than a week before the coronavirus pandemic.
Sheila, who has dementia and Parkinson's disease, was prevented from embracing doting husband Frank at her care home, Carr Croft Care Home in the Meanwood area of Leeds in West Yorshire.
Heartwarming images show the lovebirds, who got hitched in 1962, share a warm embrace and hold each other's hand.
Frank also presented his sweetheart with a bouquet of flowers.
The new rules which came into effect on Monday allow a named relative to visit - and hold hands with - a loved one indoors.
Devoted husband Frank said he "couldn't put into words" how he felt after seeing her for the first time indoors in over a year.
He said his one wish is to take her home so he can see her everyday as he wants "that lady back in my life".
Frank, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, said: "I went in and we just sat holding hands and it was like winning the lottery, in fact it was better. I've waited a long time for that.
"I can't tell you the feeling I had. I did shed a few tears. I was absolutely elated. In fact I didn't sleep last night to be honest.
"It was nice just to hold her hand.
"When she realised who I was the big smile came and she was excited. It makes me feel a lot better. I think now I have seen her, it's something that I can't put into words."
The couple have been separated since Sheila fell and broke her leg early last year, before the pandemic hit.
Until then they had only ever spent one week apart during their long marriage.
