CHILDHOOD sweethearts Gerald and Violet Paggett have shown their significant difference in height was not a stretch for love after celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss.

The happy couple marked last week's milestone anniversary with a family party at The Jubilee pub in Studley.

They were also taken out for a meal and received scores of cards, flowers and a telegram from the Queen.

Gerald, who is a lofty 6ft 1ins, took a liking to Violet, a petite 4ft 7ins, when she was coming out of work at Terry Springs in Redditch 65 years ago.

They enjoyed their first date at the cinema and courted for five years before tying the knot at St Laurence's Church in Alvechurch.

Shortly after the wedding, Gerald was shipped off to Egypt where he served in the army during the Second World War.

He returned 18 months later and the lovebirds set up home in Salters Lane, Batchley. Gerald worked for SMP Plating for 40-years, while Violet brought up their eight children, although sadly two of them died.

Later they moved to Pine Tree Close, Foxlydiate Crescent and finally to Forest View, in Crabbs Cross.

Together they enjoyed trips to the countryside. Gerald, 79, was a member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes for 40 years, while Violet, also 79, was a talented singer on the club circuit.

As well as six children they have 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

One of their daughters, Christine Wedgburrow, said she and her sisters inherited their mother's tiny frame while her two brothers were tall, like Gerald.

"They are as much in love as they ever were," she said.

Mrs Paggett added: "The secret to a happy marriage is sharing everything."