A HAPPY couple celebrated fifty years of marriage with family and friends in Bromsgrove.

Norman and June Bridgwater, from Birmingham Road, toasted their Golden Wedding on Saturday.

The pair met in Birmingham when June was 15 and Norman was 18 and had just started conscription duty in the RAF. They got married three years later in 1955 at St Thomas's Church, in Broad Street, Birmingham, before living together in Germany for a year.

On their return, Norman got a job at Austin Rover and June spent her time looking after their three daughters. They also have five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Over the years the couple have enjoyed travelling across Britain and other countries with racing pigeons.

Norman said: "The secret to a good marriage is of course love but also a sense of humour. We have grown up together."

As part of their celebrations the couple will be visiting one of their bridesmaids in Australia who they have not seen for over 40 years.