SPARKS flew for Purton couple David and Muriel Haines when they met more than 70 years ago when both working at the Railway Works.

David started out as an apprentice progressing into being a fitter on the locomotives, then a chargeman and finally an estimator and Muriel was employed in the electrical shop.

Today the couple are celebrating their Platinum wedding anniversary at the Ashgrove House care home and day centre.

They will be joined by their family, including their daughter Denise, three grandchildren and cousins from across the UK and from Belgium.

Muriel and David will also be treated to an afternoon of music and singing – one of their shared loves – by the Purton WI Singers.

The couple married at St Mary’s Church in Purton on August 31,1946, with their wedding reception at the Angel Hotel in Purton High Street and a short honeymoon on the south coast.

Muriel, 94, was born in Purton and has lived in the village all her life. David, now 92, moved to Swindon when he was a young child. The couple set up home together and had their own bungalow built for them in the 1960s, where they lived together until Muriel moved to Ashgrove House last year.

They now see each other at least twice a week when David visits Ashgrove House’s Day Centre.

David says their secret to a successful marriage was due to being a good pair and making joint decisions. He said: “Marriage is not just for now, it’s for a long time and I don’t regret one moment of it. We saved up a lot of coupons to get married and I try to be a good husband.

“I think we have been married for so long because we have never done anything without asking one another - we’re a good pair.”

The celebration was organised by the activity co-ordinators of Ashgrove House, Hilary Grout, Debbie Bird and Tracey Cowley, who has known the couple all of her life.

Ashgrove House has been part of the family for a number of years, with David’s mother, Ivy, also having been a resident.

Keith Trowbridge, owner of Ashgrove House, said: “It’s an honour to be able to help David and Muriel celebrate this milestone.

"We aim to make Ashgrove House an extension of the family for our residents as many have relatives, neighbours and friends who have also stayed with us.”