A COUPLE who have devoted more than 30 years to amateur dramatics in Worcester today celebrate their golden wedding aniversary.

Reg and Sylvia Craddock have been members of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society since 1960.

Over the years she has appeared in some 50 shows, as well as holding various committee positions, while he has been a backstage stalwart, tackling everything from painting scenery to being treasurer.

Sylvia, aged 69, is now the society's president, a position her husband held from 1997 to 1999.

Their two daughters, Judith Synnuck and Rachel Price, and grandchildren Daniel and Laura, have also trodden the boards with WODS over the years.

"In fact, my grandchildren are the fourth generation of entertainers because my father was a semi-professional magician. When I was little he used to do his magic at concerts around the area and I used to go along and sing," said Sylvia.

Both Sylvia and Reg, aged 71, come from the Kidderminster area, and now live in Bevere Drive, Worcester. She went to Harry Cheshire Secondary School and he attended King Charles Grammar.

Reg joined the RAF for his National Service, but the couple still met each week, with Reg cycling all the way from Gloucester every Wednesday.

''We became engaged when he finished his National Service in 1952 and were married at St George's Church, Barbourne, on May 30, 1953," said Sylvia.

Reg was with Metal Box at Providence Works, Worcester, as assistant accountant until it closed down.

He transferred to Poole, in Dorset, with the firm in 1965 for a couple of years before moving with Sylvia and their first daughter, Judith, back to Worcester, where he worked at Metal Box until retiring in 1988.

Their second child, Rachel, was born in 1967.

Sylvia served behind the counter at Huttons fish and chip shop, in Angel Place, for 10 years and then worked for 19 years in Worcester's British Gas showroom.

The first house they bought, in 1956, was in Hylton Road.

"It had no electricity, but it was our home. We had just moved in when the Severn started to rise. The furniture went upstairs and the water went down into the cellar," said Sylvia.

Sylvia was encouraged to join WODS by a friend. She later also joined Kays Theatre Group and has been in many of its annual pantomimes put on at Worcester's Swan Theatre.

Reg was roped into the society in 1972 and was treasurer from 1981 to 1991.

"We have been very lucky in life. We have met a lot of lovely people and made a lot of lovely friends through amateur dramatics," said Reg.

"And we have a lovely family too."

The couple are celebrating their wedding anniversary at a party with their family and friends.