A COUPLE who were separated for three years after only one month of marriage have celebrated their diamond wedding.

Ken and Jean Edwards, of Windermeres in Evesham, marked the 60-year milestone earlier this month and even received a card from the Queen congratulating them.

The couple were married in 1953 at Throckmorton Church but just a few weeks later Mr Edwards, now aged 80, had to fly out to Egypt.

Mrs Edwards, 78, said: “My husband was in the RAF and was married in uniform.

“We met at RAF Pershore, where I worked in the tailor’s shop. He was stationed there.

“I was working in the shop one day and he came in and that was it. Must have been love at first sight.

“We had only been married one month and he was posted in Egypt, to the Canal Zone. I stayed at home and he was over there for three years.”

When Mr Edwards returned they moved into their own home in Dormston, near Inkberrow, where their five children were born, and they later moved to live in Evesham.

After a number of years as a stay-at-home mum Mrs Edwards returned to work at Tolley’s Garage in Flyford Flavell. Mr Edwards worked as a motor mechanic and also drove the school coach for Pershore High and Flyford school.

Some of the children have now moved away but they all returned and the couple celebrated at a party with their four daughters and one son, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Mrs Edwards said: “I think it is about give and take.

“I know we have had our ups and downs like everyone but we have a great family.”