AN Alcester couple have proved themselves a diamond pair, having just celebrated 60 years of married bliss.

And their bridesmaid also came over from Canada to join in the celebrations.

Doug and Betty Wells, of Malt Mill Lane, first met at the pictures in Studley in 1942 when Doug would walk Betty and her childhood friend Margaret Onion home to Mappleborough Green.

They became a couple soon after and married at her local church on January 19, 1946, with Margaret as their bridesmaid.

During the war, Doug was in the RAF training as a wireless operator and had to spend two years apart from his sweetheart, although they kept in touch through letters.

Betty had to stay at home and worked for some time at a nearby factory as a welder, with Margaret working in the factory office, before they were also split apart and she was drafted to Hunt End.

When Betty and Doug were reunited, they moved to Studley before settling in Alcester 12 years ago to be closer to their family.

Doug became a tool maker and also a prominent member of Studley Parish Council and Stratford District Council.

Margaret moved to Canada, near Toronto, 54 years ago and still lives there now with her husband. But she didn't want to miss seeing her friends again for their big celebration and flew over for a special visit.

Margaret said: " I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was wonderful seeing them and catching up on old times."

Mrs Wells said she thought the secret to a happy marriage was to make sure you got the balance right between giving and taking.

She said: "Listen to each other - and if there are any problems you should sort them out and don't bare malice.

"You need all the patience you can muster!"