A COUPLE celebrating their Diamond Wedding have been described by their son as very dedicated to each other.

Francis and Phyllis Tarver, aged 90 and 81, met at a dance and were married on April 12, 1952, at St George’s Church, Brailes, near Shipston-on-Stour.

They spent the first ten years of their married life at Clopton Tower, Stratford-upon-Avon, where Mr Tarver managed the Clopton Estate Farm.

In 1963 the couple moved to Hayes Farm, Bishampton, near Per-shore, with their two sons – Michael and Robert – where they continued to breed Suffolk sheep.

For many years Mr Tarver worked for Avon-croft Cattle Breeders visiting many local farms, while Mrs Tarver tended the animals on the farm and sold produce.

They now have five grandchildren and two great grandchildren are on the way later this year.

The pair’s anniversary was marked with a surprise celebration which was thrown by their family at home on Easter Monday.

Son Robert said: “They were really shocked, but they enjoyed it. Their faces were a picture when they saw everyone.

“They are very much a couple and they do everything together. They are so family orientated, the family means everything to them. They are just very dedicated to each other.”