A pair of long-lost lovers banished from each others' sight in the 1960s after having a child out of wedlock are set to marry 40 years later after being reunited – by their daughter.

Sweethearts Christine Orchard and Chester Locke enjoyed a brief but passionate fling in their youth after falling in love at a local youth club.

But Christine caused a scandal when she fell pregnant aged 16 and her traditional family forced the couple apart and banished Chester from the scene. He was told never to contact Christine, or his daughter Tracey – who was raised by her maternal grandparents.

But Tracey, now 40, set about rebuilding her broken family following the death of her grandparents and staged a surprise meeting between Christine and Chester.

Despite their long and difficult separation, the pair – who were both divorced – fell head over heels in love for the second time. Christine, now 57, and Chester, 64, are set to marry later this month.

Christine, of Taunton, Somerset, said: ''There was always quite a lot of hoo ha about Chester because of the age difference. When my parents found out I was pregnant, my mum and her sisters went into a room and basically decided my future.

''They told me that if I wanted to, I could keep the baby and they would bring her up, but I had to stay away from Chester."

The retired shop assistant added: "Mum told me that if I saw Chester in the street I should walk away, so I didn't see him again for 35 years."

Christine fell pregnant after a whirlwind romance with local "heartthrob" Chester, an engineer who worked in her local launderette.

They began exchanging love letters after they met at a local youth club and their relationship blossomed. Christine fell pregnant and wanted nothing more than to raise her baby with the love of her life beside her.

But Christine's late parents Flossie and Fred ''ruled with an iron rod" and insisted the pair were separated for ever. Chester eventually married and had another daughter, Amanda, who is now in her 30s. Meanwhile, Christine married in 1972 and had three more children, Russell, 35, Nicky, 31, and Ryan, 27.

But when Flossie and Fred died 12 years ago, Tracey moved out of the family home and began thinking of ways to reunite her parents.

Single Tracey, who lives with daughters Jennifer, 21, Alison, 17, and son Christopher, 15, said: ''I was always told my dad was a waste of space but I needed to find out for myself. After all, everyone changes in 35 years. After my grandparents died I lost a big part of my life and I wanted to fill in the gaps."

Tracey finally tracked down Chester, who still lived in Taunton, in 2003, but both he and her mother were still married.

She secretly kept in touch until Christine's marriage – like Chester's – broke down and Tracey arranged for a surprise meet at the local pub.

To Christine's amazement and delight, Chester had also been asked to come and the long-lost pair set about rebuilding their relationship.

Christine said: ''When we met up that first time we were talking and laughing so much we didn't leave for five hours. It felt very safe going back to someone I already knew. I suppose in a way we were reliving our youth."

Chester popped the question earlier this year and the couple are set to wed on September 27 at a chapel in Taunton.

Chester said: ''We've made our mistakes, but she's the love of my life and I couldn't be happier.

''If you'd have told me 10 years ago that I'd be marrying Christine after all these years, I would never have believed you, but here we are.

''Getting married means a lot to me. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together as man and wife.''

Tracey said: ''I think it's going to be a new beginning for the whole family."