CARAVAN enthusiasts Alex and Eileen Payne have covered thousands of miles in a long and happy marriage spanning 60 years.

The Trowbridge couple, who celebrate their diamond anniversary this week, began their travels by caravan in 1962 and have travelled all over Britain and Europe.

They met in 1938 when Mr Payne, then 16 and working for James Brothers Electrical in Devizes, spotted Eileen cycling past on her way to work.

Mr Payne joined the RAF in 1942 and was stationed in Iceland, but returned on leave the following year, when the pair married at St Peter's Church in Devizes.

After the war the couple lived with her parents for four years and with his for another four before moving to their first home in Trowbridge.

Their son Richard was born in 1945, with a second son, Peter, following in 1952.

In 1968 they started their own business, AR Payne Gas and Oil Burner Services, in Trowbridge, which Mr Payne continued to run until retiring in 1986.

The couple have three grandchildren, Alison, Steven and Jonathan, a great grandson, Ben and another great-grandchild due in August.

They will be celebrating their anniversary with a party for family and friends at the Lion and Fiddle pub in Hilperton.