THE supposed bad omen of getting married in green and on a Friday has been proved wrong by a Worcester couple who have celebrated their Diamond Wedding.

Love started to bloom between Robert and Muriel Peart when they wrote to one another during the Second World War - but it was nearly a year before they met.

The couple enjoyed their first kiss in an air-raid shelter in Mrs Peart's home town of Leeds and this led to the couple walking up the aisle on Friday, June 26, 1942 at the city's Roundhay Methodist Church.

"Although I wore green, which is supposed to be unlucky, it was a lovely shade and I had always loved that colour," said 82-year-old Mrs Peart, of Oakleigh Avenue, Hallow.

Awarded

Her 83-year-old husband, who was serving in the Royal Corps of Signals, then encouraged his wife to move to Worcestershire, which she "liked very much" and they went on to have two sons, Robin and Tim.

Ledbury-born Mr Peart then worked for post office telephones for 47 years and Mrs Peart gave her services to Darby and Joan for 25 years.

"I was awarded the Imperial Services Medal for my services in the telephone exchange which was an honour," said Mr Peart who has also been secretary of the St John's and Hallow branch of the Royal British Legion for more than 20 years.

The happy couple, who received a card from the Queen, celebrated their diamond day by having a celebratory meal with their family.

And the secret of a successful marriage? "We're very happy to have managed 60 years together," said Mr Peart.

"We have managed it by always keeping together, caring for each other and not having any secrets."