A CREDITON couple, who first met at the old cinema in Crediton, and where Ivor asked Betty out on a date, celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary yesterday, Thursday, September 26.

Ivor and Betty Chudley were teenagers when they met.

They courted for six years before marrying at the Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton on September 26, 1959. Their wedding reception was at the Ship Hotel.

Ivor grew up in Sandford, enjoyed playing football for the village team in his youth.

He did his National Service in Oswestry, and when completed, he joined local building firm, Dart and Francis, where he did an apprenticeship in carpentry.

He also worked for Eakers Bros in Crediton for many years after.

He was a retained firefighter at Crediton Fire Station for 28 years.

Betty moved to Crediton from Black Torrington at the age of six years.

After leaving school she worked at Bristow’s sweet factory until their first child was born.

They have lived all their married life in Crediton.

They have two children Angela and Chris, two grandchildren and one great grandson, who all live locally.

Throughout their married life they have enjoyed many holidays, both in the UK and abroad. They celebrated their anniversary by going on holiday to the Isle of Wight - where they had honeymooned!