CORONAVIRUS is continuing affect every walk of life in Herefordshire, evident as celebrations for milestone birthdays and anniversaries have to be cancelled.

For Wendy Atkinson, the lockdown means she will not be able celebrate with her parents in Tarrington on their diamond wedding anniversary on April 16.

Keith and Monnie Tyler worked and met at the Chadds stores in Hereford before their marriage in 1960. After their honeymoon, a day trip to Worcester, they returned to start their married life in Cross Keys, near Hereford.

"We'd arranged as a family, about 30 of us, to go out for a meal at The Moon at Mordiford but that had to be cancelled," said Mrs Atkinson, who lives on the Isle of Wight.

"It's a big milestone. They're a bit upset about it but she (Monnie Tyler) said it's life."

Unable to see her parents on their 60th wedding anniversary, Mrs Atkinson had sent the pair a cake, but said it was "heart-wrenching" when a picture of them was sent to her.

A 100th birthday party for a musician and Salvation Army member was also scaled-back in response to the pandemic.

Ken Farr, a member of Bromyard Wind Band, was due to have seven celebrations with different groups of people but these have had to be cancelled.

They include celebrations with the Salvation Army, wind band and family from Norway.

Ruth Hewison, from the band, said: "Ken Farr celebrated his 100th birthday on March 29 in his usual cheerful way, even though many of the special events planned for him had to be abandoned due to Covid-19.

"He received a lovely cake from Bromyard Wind Band and of course many many cards including the telegram from the Queen."

His son, Ray, added his father has been a "huge influence" on the lives of many.