A DROITWICH couple have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Brian Orchard said he fell in love at first sight after the pair initially struck up a connection as pen pals, after being introduced through family.

Brian said while he was on leave, after being sent to Germany, he went to meet Maureen who was living in Rubery.

"I knocked the door, " Mr Orchard said.

"Maureen opened the door and I fell in love at first sight."

Mr Orchard worked up to the rank of Corporal, but after being discharged in 1956 the pair became inseparable.

After asking Maureen's father's permission, the pair were married at St Laurence's Church, Northfield, and the pair enjoyed a honeymoon in Brean Sands.

The pair's first home was in Bromsgrove, where they lived for several years in which their first son, Timothy, was born.

Six years after his birth the couple had their second child, son Martin.

Timothy today lives in Bromsgrove with wife Anne, son Daniel and grandson Tailor, while son Martin lives in Australia with wife Tracey, and grandsons Sam and Jack.

The couple renewed their vows at Upton Warren Parish Church for their 50th anniversary.

In 1982 Brian and Maureen celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by taking their boys to Kos, in Greece, for a special holiday.

Soon after they moved to a house on Rashwood Hill in Droitwich, where they have lived ever since.

The pair have had a number of jobs over the years, Brian working at the Austins Longbridge factory, and Commando Cleaning Services, while Maureen worked at the former Barnsley Hall Hospital before moving to Westmead Care Home in Droitwich.

The pair celebrated the diamond wedding anniversary at their home on Friday, receiving a card from the Queen which the pair were thrilled to be sent.