THE death of a couple who were due to celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary next week has devastated staff and residents at the Cookley apartment complex where they lived.

Seventy-six-year-old Beryl Nock died in Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley on Sunday - eight days after her 78-year-old husband, Barry, passed away in the same hospital.

Their deaths, following a serious car crash in Stourbridge on Wednesday, June 8, have sent shock waves around Westley Court, where they had lived in one of 71 luxury apartments for residents over 55 since 1999.

One member of staff told the Shuttle/Times and News: "We're all devastated because they were a really nice couple and we had a laugh and a joke with them every day."

She said she understood Mr and Mrs Nock, who leave behind a son and a granddaughter, would have been married 52 years next week.

"They kept themselves private in the apartments they but joined in all the social things and were a very sociable couple," she said.

"They were both in good health and very active."

She added: "Mr Nock was always laughing and joking as he went through the door and it's just so quiet now. They were an active couple and went out every day."