A VALE couple who have lived in their home village of Elmley Castle nearly all their lives are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this weekend.

Arthur and Cynthia Mason first met at first school in the village about eight decades ago.

But romance didn't blossom at first and it wasn't until Mr Mason, 86, began drinking at the Queen Elizabeth pub where the future Mrs Mason, 88, worked that he realised what he was missing out on.

Mr Mason, of Cornmill, Elmley Castle, recalled how the pair met.

"We went to school to school together and then to Pershore Senior School," he said. "After that we didn't communicate much because I was in Bricklehampton and she lived in Elmley Castle.

"I started taking notice that there was this nice bit of stuff living there when I was about 18.

"She was a barmaid at the pub and I was a customer. That's a little bit of how our love story started. She did her best to avoid me but I won."

The couple then courted for around 12 months before tying the knot at the village church.

"I said to her it's about time we got married," said Mr Mason, who worked as a tractor driver.

"We got a cottage in Elmley Castle. That's how it all started in 1949.

"Over the years we have had some hard times but we have got over this and we have now learnt how to enjoy ourselves.

"I am a bit of a loveable rogue but we really enjoy each others company. Even now when I drive to get petrol I say, 'do you want to come for a drive?' and she does."

The couple also say they enjoy seeing their family who live locally, and have a daughter in Worcester and a son in Pershore, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

They mark their anniversary officially on Wednesday, September 24, but the celebrations begin this weekend with a party at the village cricket club.

"We are having a get together with old and new friends on Saturday," said Mr Mason. "Eat, drink and some music to celebrate.

"Then next week we go to Western. We always go down there to the same hotel to celebrate our anniversary no matter what year."