THE sound of music has provided a symphonic soundtrack to the long and happy marriage of a Bromsgrove couple who are celebrating 50 years together.

Cyril and Nan Horne, of Howard Avenue, marked their golden wedding anniversary with a blessing at All Saints' Church, in Birmingham Road, on Sunday.

They met more than half a century ago in Leeds when Cyril, now aged 76, was a professional violinist with the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra and Nan worked at a children's home.

Despite having very different tastes in music, Cyril liked classical and Nan loved pop, the couple tied the knot on July 21, 1952, at St Michael's Church, in Leeds.

There was no time for a honeymoon because Cyril was taking part in an event similar to the proms and the newlyweds were soon on the move.

They relocated to Sheldon when Cyril scooped a job with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and later moved to Howard Avenue, where they have lived for 45 years.

Cyril enjoyed several positions with Worcestershire's education authority, including head of strings and he also played with the Worcester Symphony Orchestra, where he was a conductor, Bromsgrove Strings Orchestra and Barnt Green Choral Society.

The Horne's have two children and three grandchildren and are enjoying their retirement.

Cyril, who suffered a stroke last year, is studying Italian, and Nan, whose full name is Nancy, enjoys sewing. The pair are regular worshippers and will celebrate their special milestone with family and friends at a party this Saturday.

Nan, aged 71, said: "We have had a very happy fifty years and my advice to young couples is care for each other."