A COUPLE who had their newly-wedded bliss abruptly curtailed when the groom was taken prisoner of war by the Germans four months after their wedding are celebrating a diamond date.

Former army sergeant Bill Morris was captured on the final day of the Second World War Battle of Arnhem in September, 1944 - the same month as his wife discovered she was carrying their first child.

Their happiness was restored seven months later, however, when Bill was freed by the American troops and returned home in time for the birth of his first son, Tony.

The 80-year-old and his 79-year-old wife, of Clent Avenue, Kidderminster, went on to have four more sons and a daughter. They also have 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Now, as they celebrate 60 years of marriage, they say their wartime ordeal made their relationship stronger.

Joyce said: "When they came to tell me he was missing I had just realised I was pregnant, so it was a very traumatic time - but we weathered it and I think we're closer because of it. I wouldn't be without him."

She added: "We're a very close family. One of our sons, David, came back from Australia for our anniversary with his wife and daughter."

The couple celebrated their anniversary on Thursday with a family barbecue.