A BEWDLEY man who bounced back after suffering a life-threatening condition has had extra reason to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with the love of his life.

Brian Lapworth, who is married to June, collapsed after suffering from a burst brain aneurysm while playing at Bewdley Pines Golf Club on what should have been another romantic occasion -- Valentine's Day.

He was airlifted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital and then to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital where the bleed caused by the ballooning-out of an artery was operated on.

Mr Lapworth, 71, a retired silver manufacturer, said: "It was an amazing procedure. They pushed the wire through my body and the coils covered the bleed. I feel extremely lucky.I have still got to go back for a check-up but I'm still here and that's the main thing.

"If it wasn't for one of the golfers who knew first aid and a nurse from Kidderminster Hospital, who was also playing, I wouldn't be here today. They helped me before the ambulance got there."

To celebrate their special day last Friday, the couple, who have two children, Chris, 45, and Nikki, 39 and three grandchildren - Ben, 21, Oliver, 15, and Emily,13 - took their family and friends out for a meal.

Mrs Lapworth, also 71, who worked as a badge and medal designer, said: "This year, our anniversary has been extremely special for both of us. We feel very lucky to be still together after what happened. I thought I had lost him."

Mr Lapworth added: "It has been a difficult time, especially for June, so we really enjoyed celebrating our anniversary."

They first met as 12-year-old pupils at Moseley School of Art in Birmingham, where they both lived. After leaving school, they lost touch, only to meet up again at a Valentine's Day dance in the city when they were 18. They were married at Northfield Parish Church in 1956 and honeymooned on the Isle of Wight.

Keen painter, Mrs Lapworth, said: "I think we would both attribute a happy and long marriage to being honest with each other and being happy with our lot together."

Mr Lapworth, who continues to play golf twice a week and will be organising a fund-raising golf event in aid of the air ambulance in August, added: "We grew up together and we tell each other everything which, I think, is the most important thing for a happy marriage."