THEY met at school and attended the same church - but it wasn't until Ruth Pope invited 'a nice boy from the village' to a party that love blossomed and led to 60 years of marriage.

On June 27, 1953, Edward and Ruth Pope, who live in Queen's Square, Eastington, got married in West Ealing in London while Edward was on leave from the Army.

"I remember that it was a beautiful day and the sun was shining from the time we got up," said Ruth, who married when she was 18 and is now 78.

"We only had very close family at the ceremony and afterwards we went to Ealing Broadway and had afternoon tea.

"Later that day we took the train to Gloucestershire to visit Edward's mother who couldn't make it to the wedding. It was actually quite a busy day." 
 

The pair, who celebrated their diamond wedding on Thursday, met when they both attended Eastington Primary School and Eastington parish church.

"When we were both 15 I invited Edward to a party at the King's Stanley village hall. One of my girl friends had asked me if I knew any nice boys from Eastington and I said I did," said Ruth.

"We cycled over to the party together from Eastington and I guess they say that the rest is history." 

The couple's daughter Janice threw them an anniversary party on Saturday, June 22.

Edward and Ruth Pope now have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with one on the way.