When it comes to romantic gestures, no stone has been left unturned for a Stourbridge couple, after Persimmon Homes West Midlands helped them preserve a lasting memory of the first moment they met.

Richard and Emma Westwood attended the former Longlands School back in the 1980s, which is being transformed into a small development of 52 homes by Persimmon Homes.

A stone step outside the maths block was a regular break time rendezvous for the couple and became an unlikely memento of their early love.

At the request of aviation specialist Richard, Persimmon Homes has carefully retained the approximate 3.5 tonne concrete step from the school, which has now been dismantled making way for the new homes.

Richard said: “When I heard that Longlands School was being demolished for new homes we suddenly became very sentimental about the step. This was the first place I noticed my wife and we often chatted there - it felt a special part of our life.”

“We are genuinely overwhelmed at the effort that Persimmon Homes has gone to in reclaiming the stone and are very grateful that they are carefully storing it for us.”

“We are currently living in Dubai and have plans to return to Stourbridge when it is safe to do so. The stone step will become a feature in our garden where we can sit and enjoy a drink together.”

The Longlands development is a collection of 52 homes featuring a selection of two, three and four-bedroom homes that will meet a range of budgets and lifestyles. Access to the new development will be off Bowling Green Road.

Stephen Cleveley, managing director for Persimmon Homes, said: “We were very happy to oblige with Richard’s request. We build homes that help create new memories, but it is also important to keep alive those memories of the past.”