A KIDDERMINSTER couple have been celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary after spending 65 years happily married.

Doreen, 82, and Walter Ashcroft, 86, who were both born in Horsefair, have been marking their sapphire anniversary together.

The couple were married at St Mary's Church, Kidderminster on August 15 1953, and have never looked back since.

The lovebirds first met outside the Futurist Picture House in Kidderminster when Doreen was 16, and Walter was 20, after watching a Mario Lanza flick.

After they were married, they moved to Walter Nash Road East, where they have lived for their 65 years of marriage.

They both worked locally, with Walter working at the SDF car part manufacturing firm on the Stourport Road, and Doreen working at Tomkinson carpets.

The two have three children, Mary, Paul and Peter, as well as six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Sadly, their son Peter passed away 21 years ago.

Doreen used to accompany Walter on his fishing trips to Areley and Bewdley, and the two recalled lovely times with their grandchildren on holiday's to Great Yarmouth - one of their favourite destinations.

Doreen said: "Feels very good to reach 65 years together - I hope it will carry on for a few more years.

"I love Walter loads, and he loves me loads too.

"We've had our ups and downs and squabbles over the years, but you just have to talk it out.

"It's all about sharing, and spending time with each other."

"We've always been quite happy together."