WARTIME sweethearts who fell in love at first sight will celebrate 65 years of happy marriage today.

Walter and Irene Digger met at George Street Chapel, near Worcester city centre, and never looked back.

Shortly after their wedding in 1941, Walter put down his carpentry tools and joined the Royal Navy, where the former petty officer was forced to spend months away from his new bride.

The 89-year-old, who took part in the D-Day landings said: "When we met we immediately hit it off, it was love at first sight.

"We were married just two years when I went into the navy. We missed each other very much."

The couple, of Trent Road in Ronkswood, Worcester kept their love alive with letters.

"It was great to receive a letter from my wife," added Walter.

"Anything from home was very welcome."

When Walter was de-mobbed in 1946 he returned to life as a carpenter and the couple had two sons, Alan, now aged 64, and 59-year-old Kenneth.

Over the years they have enjoyed holidays to Scotland and spending time with their family, which has expanded to include six grandchildren, aged between 23 and 36, and five great grandchildren, aged between four and 14.

Walter said that he and his wife, who used to work at Kays have only ever had eyes for each other.

"We're just happy together," he said. "We have some special memories of the boys growing up and getting married."

Irene, aged 84 said that her husband, who still enjoys carpentry, is always keeping himself busy.

"He's here, there and everywhere," she said.