DON and Betty Sheppard, who were both born and raised in Wootton Bassett, are celebrating their golden wedding this week, at their home in Milton's Way.

Don, 80, and Betty (nee Hopkins) 73, went to different schools, but saw each other in the queue outside the Mascot Cinema.

Don served an electrical engineering apprenticeship and saw active service in the Far East with REME during the Second World War.

Betty and Don started courting in the post-War years, after he escorted her home from the fair at Wootton Bassett Show. They were married at St Bartholomew and All Saints' Church, Wootton Bassett, on May 23, 1953.

They shared her parents' home for their first year of marriage, and then lived at Victory Row until 1962 when their present home was built.

Betty worked at the United Dairies offices prior to the birth of their sons, and in later years was a school secretary.

A party to mark the occasion has been organised by sons Kelvin and Haydon. The family also includes grandchildren, Hayley, 19, Hannah, 17, and Thomas,16.

"Despite various health problems, we've had a wonderful life," said Don.

"Marriage is about caring and sharing." Betty said. "All marriages have to be worked at, with plenty of give and take, but try to remember to give more than you take."