A WHITCHURCH couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, much to the delight of their family.

Geoffrey and Joyce Jones celebrated their Blue Sapphire Wedding anniversary last autumn, having married in the Congregational Chapel in Whitchurch in 1957, and they received a card from King Charles.

The couple first met in the Civic Hall during a dance night and following their wedding went on to have three sons, Kevin, Rodney and Rowly.

The couple live in Belton Road in Whitchurch and were joined by family members to celebrate the monumental occasion.

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Daughter-in-law, Sharon Jones said: "It is quite emotional really because they had a card from the Queen and they then received a card from the King.

"I think to be married for that length of time is something else."

She added: "We had them in our house and had a small family party.

"We had them a cake made and they had their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild there as well.

"They were really happy, we are a very close family and we all live locally.

"It was a nice day."

Sharon explained that Geoffrey and Joyce have lived in Whitchurch all of their lives.

Sharon said: "Geoff was orginally born in Grindley Brook.

"Joyce has lived along Belton Road all of her life, her parents used to live along there as well."

Geoffrey was a passionate cricketer and was involved in Whitchurch Cricket Club

Sharon added: "He used to play cricket for Whitchurch and his sons followed suite.

"They are still heavily involved in the cricket scene."

Geoffrey, 92, started working when he was 14-years-old for Salop Building contractors and learnt his trade as a carpenter.

He also completed his national service in the RAF Regiment and was stationed in Egypt during the Suez Crisis.

Joyce, 86, started working in Morgan's Chemist (now Boots) when she was 15-years-old, but later spent time at home to raise to raise their three sons.

They both retired in 1994.