KEEN photographers Joan and Chas Woodgate, from Box, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary by being in front of the lens rather than behind it as they celebrated with a family party.

Despite being in their 80s, both have wholeheartedly embraced the digital age. Mr Woodgate, 81, is president of the Corsham Photographic Club and secretary of the Bath-based group WAVES, the Western Audio-Visual Enthusiasts.

"We are both very interested in computers and several aspects of computer work, including digital photography," said Mrs Woodgate, 82. "We are a very close family and although scattered, we keep in close touch so all manner of communication is necessary. E-mails are fantastic."

Mr and Mrs Woodgate spent their early lives in Birmingham. They met while playing tennis and married on July 18 1942 in the parish of Yardley, Birmingham. They moved to Box 50 years ago.

Mr Woodgate served in the Army overseas during the Second World War and spent the rest of his working life as a technical representative for BSA Tools.

The couple have five children Elaine, Hilary, John, Richard and Peter, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild, one-year-old Charlie. Mrs Woodgate had her hands full raising her large family but she also undertook secretarial work.

Mrs Woodgate is now interested in geneaology. As an enthusiastic botanist she also helped with a survey of Wiltshire, culminating in the publication of The Flora of Wiltshire. The couple were also founder members of the Box Archaeological and Natural History Society 30 years ago.