A Halesowen couple who have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary said there is no magic wand involved in making a happy marriage - just hard work.

Jean and David Shuttleworth married at Birmingham Register Office when they were just 18 but were unable to go away on honeymoon because they were "hard up".

As the war had ended only two years previously, and Jean and David still had their rations books, they were unable to have a lavish wedding.

David, who was a butcher, and Jean, who retired as a dinner lady at Four Dwellings School 20 years ago, have since enjoyed retirement pottering around in their big garden at their home in Woodland Road.

They have one son and one daughter, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Jean and David celebrated their marriage milestone by taking their family to Hagley Golf Club and then holding a garden party.

The couple both agree the secret to a happy marriage is hard work.

Jean said: "There is no magic wand and no miracle, it just takes hard work, a sense of humour and having a busy, active family."