TWO sick children who became friends in a Worcester hospital never imagined they would end up marrying each other 18 years later.

Four-year-old Geoffrey Palmer and 10-year-old Betty Freeman hit it off during the long days they spent cooped up in Newtown being treated for tuberculosis.

Later, a chance meeting in Worcester's Imperial Hotel led the smitten pair to tie the knot and today they are celebrating their golden wedding.

"I'd been to a dance at the Co-op and popped in for a quick drink," said 74-year-old Mr Palmer.

"I saw Betty's dad, who I used to see on the way to work, and he said, "there's someone here who I bet would like to speak to you".

The pair, then 22 and 28, started chatting about their childhood and, discovering they had a lot in common, arranged to meet again.

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Despite an unfortunate trip to the cinema, where they found themselves sitting either side of a pillar, the couple fell in love and, in 1953, married at St John-in-Bedwardine Church, Worcester.

Post-tubercolosis problems meant Mr Palmer was not called up to serve his country, but instead threw his weight behind his job at J&F Hall ironmongers.

After 15 years at Metalbox, Betty gave up her job to look after their son John at their Astwood Road home, while her husband became ironmongery manager at Underwoods.

After moving to The Arboretum, Geoffrey, who loves gardening and photography, and Betty finally settled down in Kingston Avenue, where they have lived for 30 years.

Their "good life" sees them living just two roads away from their son, who has two children, 15-year-old Thomas and 12-year-old Georgia.

"If anyone had told me that when I grew up I would marry Geoffrey I would never have believed them," said 80-year-old Mrs Palmer.

"We have had many disagreements during our 50 years and when people say they never have a cross word, I don't believe them as it goes against nature. We understand and support each other, and I wouldn't change him for anyone."