A COUPLE from Lower Wick who met over a game of cards more than 56 years ago are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.

Val and Alf Payne met at a whist drive and had a long courtship of about six years before they finally decided to tie the knot.

They were introduced by one of Mr Payne's friends, who worked at the same glove factory, on Bromyard Road, as Mrs Payne.

The couple lived for most of the married life in St John's, Worcester, but recently moved to a bungalow in St Lawrence Close, Lower Wick.

Dubai

Mr Payne, 79, worked in the aircraft industry and spent many years working abroad, mostly in Dubai.

Mrs Payne stayed at home to raise their two children, Teresa, 43, and Nigel, 46.

She said the recipe for a long and happy marriage was to make it a peaceful one.

"We have never had a row," she said. "We just seem to agree on things. And we don't go anywhere without each other anymore."

The couple, who married on December 27, 1952, at St John's Church, in Worcester, and spent their honeymoon in London, will be celebrating their wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren.

"We will probably go out for lunch and then we're having a do at home with just our close family. We're looking forward to that," said Mrs Payne.