31164-17RON and Mary Twine celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a trip down memory lane.

They returned to Combe Martin the same Devonshire town they stayed in during their honeymoon 50 years ago.

This time their trip was a little less energetic than it was in 1954.

"Back then we did what we can't do now walking up hill and down dale," said 76-year-old Ron.

"This time we're just relaxing and having a good time."

Ron and 72-year-old Mary met on the evening train from Swindon to Wootton Bassett in 1952.

He was 26 and working in the railways, having recently come out of the Army.

She was just 22 and working for Oliver's shoe shop in Swindon.

"She was nice-looking and had a good temper, and we got on well together," recalled Ron.

They were married 18 months later, on July 3, after Ron had proven his commitment by regularly walking the three-and-a-half-miles from his house in Wootton Bassett to see Mary in Broad Town.

After their marriage they moved to Wootton Bassett, where they have lived ever since.

For many years both enjoyed ballroom dancing and walking.

Now. however Ron, who retired after 34 years on the railways, likes to tend to his prized chrysanthemums.

The couple have one son, 46-year-old Colin, and three grandchildren, who live in Sparcells.

Colin's wife Loretta, 46, said: "They think the world of each other and don't seem to do anything without the other's approval."