Couple buys Channel island on which they fell in love

A couple who fell in love on the Channel Island of Herm have bought the tiny outcrop in a bid to protect the beautiful tourist destination.

John and Julia Singer from Guernsey met on Herm Island 14-years ago and now the couple is to take over the island, which only has 50 inhabitants, one shop and one hotel.

When it was revealed earlier this year that the leaseholders Adrian and Penny Wood Heyworth were selling their rights to the island there were fears for its future. Locals were worried that the beauty spot would lose its unique identity if it were bought by an outsiders. One of the interested parties was the luxury hotel chain Von Essen, which owns a series of top class holiday destinations in the UK and France. Von Essen were reported to be considering paying £15 million for a 40 year lease.

But in the end the island went to Mr and Mrs Singer for an undisclosed sum, believed to be lower than the asking price. Mr Singer said: "No immediate changes are envisaged to the present facilities and our short-term focus will be to maintain everything to the current standards of excellence. We can be certain that nothing will impact on the present warm welcome to visitors or the island's beauty and tranquillity. Herm will remain the jewel in the Bailiwick's crown."