IT WAS love on the factory floors of a well-known city company for a couple celebrating sixty years of marriage.

Muriel, 83, and Stewart Harding, 81, of Christchurch Road met at Providence Works, a factory owned by the Metal Box, while Stewart was working as an apprentice and Muriel was working on the canning line packing boxes.

The couple received a congratulatory message from King Charles III and Camilla after celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary on January 11.

The Hardings have lived on the same street in Worcester for the duration of their marriage, living in three different properties over that period.

Mr Harding worked at Providence and then at Metal Box for most of his working life, before ending up at Russell & Dorrels in a driving job. 

Mrs Harding only worked briefly at Metal Box and occasionally helped her parents with their well-known local ice cream business, Lannie's ice creams, until she moved on to work for Lea & Perrins.

They welcomed two children, Paul and Lisa, during their marriage and have three grandchildren, Chris, Josh and Lucia, as well as three great-grandchildren Imogen, Ella and Blake.

Mr and Mrs Harding described their wedding in 1964 as "nothing too fancy", as they tied the knot at Worcester Registry Office with some close family in attendance.

Reflecting on their most cherished memories, camping trips were a highlight, while they also particularly enjoyed their holidays to Weston super-Mare and staying in their own static caravan in Sand Bay on most weekends.

Both Mr and Mrs Harding agreed that love and respect is the secret to a long and happy marriage. 

"Looking back it doesn't seem that long," Mrs Harding said. "We've had a good life together and wouldn't change a thing.

"We have always worked things out together. As with everyone, we've had our ups and downs but have always worked it out."

Mr Harding joked that his "good looks" were what Mrs Harding liked most about him, with both saying they have always enjoyed spending all of their time together.

The couple had a gathering with family and friends at the Gun Tavern pub in Worcester, which holds a special place in their hearts, with Mr Harding a regular visitor since he was around three years of age.