IT was a date at a Stroud pub which saw love bloom for a couple now celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

On October 25, Margaret and Cyril Bassett celebrated a very special occasion, their platinum wedding anniversary.

Margaret, 90, was born in Chalford and Cyril, 93, was born in Whiteshill.

The couple met in the Lamb Inn in Stroud and married on October 25, 1947, at Stroud Registry Office, which in those days was situated in Rowcroft.

They began married life living at Whiteshill before moving to their current home in Highfield Road, Stroud, where they have lived for the last 66 years.

Cyril and Margaret had four children, two boys and two girls, two of which have sadly passed away, leaving daughter Eileen and son Raymond the remaining family members together with eight grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Margaret served as a home-help assistant for 35 years working in and around Stroud, whilst Cyril served in the special forces before they married.

He reached the rank of Sergeant and fought in the jungles of Burma doing numerous parachute jumps into enemy territory and received the Burma Star award in recognition of his services.

The couple married soon after Cyril was discharged and he worked at various engineering companies in the Stroud and Gloucester area, following this he joined Hoffmans in Stonehouse where he worked for 20 years before being forced to take early retirement due to failing eyesight.

Cyril does not enjoy the best of health these days but still manages to have a laugh and a joke, which helps to keep him going.

Margaret still looks after Cyril with the help of carers, and she still manages to get out for short walks with their dog Tilly.

Cyril and Margaret say that they are are indebted to some wonderful neighbours and friends, particularly Steve, for their support over the years.