Film director Michael Winner finally tied the knot after courting his leading lady for more than half a century.

The 75-year-old, who admitted he once tried to sleep with every girl he saw, married 70-year-old Geraldine Lynton-Edwards, whom he met in 1957 when he was a 21-year-old film-maker and she was a 16-year-old actress and ballet dancer.

The happy couple arrived at Chelsea Old Town Hall in west London in a black Rolls-Royce, the groom wearing a dark suit and white open-necked shirt and the bride in an ivory coat over a white, knee-length dress.

A crowd of onlookers keen to catch a glimpse of the famous director gathered on the busy Kings Road pavement, waiting for him to emerge an honest man from the register office ceremony.

The newlyweds appeared on the steps of the town hall just before 2 p.m. and shared several kisses under a shower of confetti.

They were joined by actor Sir Michael Caine and his wife Shakira, who were witnesses to the ceremony.

The bridge and groom re-emerged shortly afterwards and walked slowly through the throng to their waiting wedding car, arm-in-arm.

Mr Winner said it felt “terrifying but wonderful” to be married after so many years.

A ragged round of applause broke out and the cameras carried on clicking as the couple clambered into their vehicle, where they obligingly exchanged a few more kisses. Before the wedding, Mr Winner said his fiancee was not worried about his former womanising ways.

“She didn’t expect at this age of life to marry a virgin,” he said.

He added: “It’s 50 years since I met the lady. You could say this is the longest courtship in the history of the world.

“We have been together for nine years and engaged for four years, so it’s the right and proper thing to do. And, of course, I love her.”

He praised her “wonderful youthful spirit” and said they had had many shared experiences”.