A former mayor of Looe, Arthur Taylor and his wife Barbarba (nee Willcocks), have celebrated their diamond wedding by holding an 'open house' at their home in Bay View Road, attended by relatives, friends and neighbours. Among those who called with congratulations were the mayor and mayoress Dave and Annette Bryan, and one of the couple's bridesmaids, Mrs Betty Bond, formerly Nicholls, and her husband.

The anniversary cake was made by Barbara's friend Joyce Gibson, who also made their golden wedding cake 10 years ago.

Married at St Martin's Parish Church on February 17, 1940, the couple have lived in Looe all their married lives. Arthur, now 87, and an articled surveyor, took on the family building firm of E Taylor when his father retired, and built it up to eventually employ about 30 men. The firm was responsible for the building of virtually all of the East Cliff Estate at Plaidy, and did much work for the Ministry of Defence at Torpoint.

Barbara, now 80, is also well known for her own business Lisandra Fashions and Shoes which she started in Fore Street, East Looe. It was named after her daughter Elizabeth Sandra, known as Sandra, who took it over on her mother's retirement.

A keen sportsman in his younger days Arthur was once the captain of Looe and Menheniot football teams and enjoyed swimming and cricket, and Barbara, who liked golf as well as swimming was a former bathing belle of successive Looe regattas.

Arthur is best known as the founder of Looe Lions Club as well as starting the Lions in the South West and was once District Governor of the West Country.

The couple, who have one grandson, Wayne Leeming, who is in the RAF, are now content to enjoy their home life.