A couple who married during the Second World War at Landrake celebrated their diamond wedding on March 4 at their Saltash home.

Reginald and Mary Hodge met in Saltash when she was working in an office. Two days after their wedding at St Michael's church Reg, who was doing his wartime service with the RAF, was recalled to duty.

Reg was born in St Stephen's Saltash, and attended St Stephen's and later North Road boys schools. He became a milk delivery boy, and then worked at Tor Farm, Saltash for several years. He worked for the MoD at Ernesettle as a driver until joining the RAF in l940 refuelling aircraft throughout Britain, Iceland and Australia during the Second World War. In l946 he became a delivery van driver for St Anne's Laundry in Saltash, and later drove for Bate camp and prisoners of war working on local farms. He was then to become a toll collector on the Tamar Bridge, and an inspector, until ill health forced him to retire at the age of 62. He had a heart bypass seven years ago, and his now 80, while his wife is 78. A keen follower of Saltash United football club, in his younger days he played right half for Landrake, St Ive and Bethany football teams.

Mary was born at Landrake and attended the local school, working at the Bullers Arms until her marriage. The couple's daughters, Cynthia Basford and Jacqueline Webb, joined their parents to organise the diamond celebrations. Reg and Mary have five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, the youngest being Joshua, aged nine months.

In the evening a family party for 60 was held at the Sapphire club, Saltash.