IT is Sweetlove by name and sweetlove by nature for Chippenham couple Ralph and Grace who celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary on Saturday.

Mr Sweetlove, 80, of Ridings Mead, had a few tips for newly wed couples.

"Never ever go to bed in a bad mood," he said. "Sort out your differences before and forget about it. It has worked for us."

The couple said it was their willingness to allow a bit of give and take that had made their relationship such a success.

They first met by chance at an RAF open day at the South Cerney base just before the outbreak of war in 1939.

Mr Sweetlove, then 15, discovered his future wife was on his milk round.

He said: "Me and my friend followed her around the exhibition. She was attractive and when I saw her I knew I wanted to know her a bit more."

Mrs Sweetlove, who was born in Norwich, said she saw him following her home on his bicycle shortly afterwards, and then notes began to appear under the milk bottles when he made a delivery.

It was the start of a four-year courtship that led to them getting married at Christ Church, Swindon, on December 27 1943, Mrs Sweetlove's birthday.

They chose the date however, because it was the only time they could get three days off without it affecting their wartime rations.

Mrs Sweetlove worked as a secretary and Mr Sweetlove as a precision engineer during the war years.

They lived at Mrs Sweetlove's parents' house in Walcot Road, Swindon, which they eventually bought for £1,300.

Their first daughter, Margaret was born in 1946 in Swindon, a few years before the family moved to Chippenham.

Their second daughter, Janet was born in 1949, while they were living at a house in Langley Road.

Mrs Sweetlove had given up her job after the birth of Margaret, but later went to work for Glanville-Frost Motors, where she did the books.

Nearly 13 years later Mr Sweetlove moved on to work as a senior manager for Bath Garages.

The couple then built a house at Ridings Mead after buying land from the council.

Mr Sweetlove moved on again and formed a partnership with Arthur Biggs at a garage on Bristol Road, Chippenham. He sold the business when he reached 60.

The couple are now enjoying their retirement and take holidays in their mobile home around England. They start each year in Devon by visiting Mr Sweetlove's 100-year-old uncle.

Mrs Sweetlove said: "My husband is very easy going and we have always got on. We have had a very happy life together."

For their celebration meal they will be joined by daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.