A LOCAL couple have just celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary, 60 years together.

Stanley and Winnie Rookes celebrated with a party for 60 family and friends at the London Inn, Morchard Bishop.

They were also delighted to receive a card from the Queen.

Stan (88) and Winnie (82), nee Dart, were married at Exeter Registry Office, on May 18, 1949, shortly after Stan had returned from service with the Army during the Second World War.

After they were married the couple lived with Winnie's parents for three years at Coldridge before moving into what is still their home, at Nymet Rowland, on Christmas Eve in 1952 and over the years have raised five children there.

These are Marion, Gordon, Graham, Marina and Mary, who all live in Devon.

Stan and Winnie also have four grand-daughters, Carolyn, Clare, Suzanne and Miranda, and a great-granddaughter, Shannon.

Stan worked for more than 40 years as an engineer at Ambrosia at Lapford and then spent six years working for Koreb Engineering in Crediton.

They enjoy worshipping at Allerbridge Chapel, where Stan taught Bible classes for 40 years.

They said that their faith, friends and fellowship had helped to sustain their marriage.

Donations in lieu of presents, amounting to £400, are to be donated to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Alan Quick