WHEN Eric Giles first set eyes on his wife Audrey at a school social event he immediately knew she was the one for him.

The confident 16-year-old crossed the dance floor and introduced himself. That was the start of a nine-year courtship which led to their marriage in Cheam, Surrey, in 1957. Today they celebrate their golden wedding.

The couple, who live in Pinvin, near Pershore, discovered they had many things in common.

Mr Giles, aged 74, said: "It was love at first sight where I was concerned."

The couple left London to live in Cumberland for three years, where Mr Giles worked as a veterinary pharmacist, then moved to Worcestershire, where he took a job with the agricultural Co-op. Mrs Giles opened the pharmacy in Cranham Drive, Warndon.

Mr Giles took over the pharmacy in Warndon and Mrs Giles worked as a pharmacist at Ronkswood Hospital, Newtown Road.

Giles Pharmacy, Cranham Drive, is now run by their daughter Sheena Bescoby, while their son Adrian runs Kitsons Pharmacy in Broad Street, Worcester.

The couple, who are both retired, are celebrating their golden day by attending a concert at Worcester Cathedral and are holding a party for close family and friends at their home.