DECADES of love, commitment and devotion were celebrated when a Bromsgrove couple donned their glad-rags to mark 60 years of marriage.

Kath and Ernie Warman were escorted by Rolls Royce when they went to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary at Bromsgrove Labour Club.

The devoted couple first met at the tender age of five and attended the same school in Watt Close, Bromsgrove.

After years of friendship, they finally started courting in their late teens and married at the registry office in Birmingham Road on July 6, 1943. But the road did not always run so smooth for the Bromsgrove born and bred couple. Kath often feared Ernie, who was a commando in the Royal Marines, would not return home from the war.

And it was a close call for Ernie, who injured his left leg during the Normandy invasions in 1944.

Looking back on their time together, the happily married couple, who live in Sydney Road, admit they have had so many memorable times together it would be difficult to single out just one.

They have 12 children, 27 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and both admit they have devoted all their time and love to them.

Ernie, now aged 78, said: "The key to a happy and successful marriage is pulling together and trust. We just have to look at each other and know what the other one is going to say."

Kath, 80, added: "We would like to thank all our family, friends and neighbours for such a wonderful party and for all the cards and gifts. They were very much appreciated."