A Halesowen couple brought together by a chance meeting on a park bench have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Janet and Maurice Rudge, of Blackberry Lane, first met in Wolverhampton in 1953 while he was a medic stationed with the RAF in Bridgnorth.

Despite him then being posted to Lancashire and later Germany, the pair continued to write to each other, and were engaged shortly after Maurice returned to Britain. They married at Halesowen Parish Church.

These days the happy couple, who are both 72, enjoy gardening and touring the continent in their caravan.

They celebrated their big day with a meal with family and friends, while their three children will be treating the couple to a long weekend break during the Spring. (100716M)