WOOTTON Bassett golden wedding couple Allan and Rosalie Ashcroft met as children in their native Lancashire.

Now in their early 70s, they enjoy an active retirement and will celebrate their golden wedding tomorrow.

The couple, who are well known through their teaching work, married on March 29, 1952.

They spent their honeymoon in Morecambe, and after eight years in Salford, where their sons were born Peter in 1953, and Martin in 1955 they moved to Wantage.

Mr Ashcroft, who had taught science at an Eccles secondary school, was appointed to Icknield Secondary Modern in 1960.

Three years later he joined the staff at Jennings Street, Swindon, which became Westbourne Junior High, and completed his teaching career as head of science at Commonweal.

The family settled in Wootton Bassett, initially at Nore Marsh Road and later at their present address in Milton's Way.

Mrs Ashcroft, a former shorthand typist, completed teacher training as a mature student and taught at Moredon Infants School and Lydiard Millicent Primary School. Allan and Rosalie both retired in 1987.

Reflecting on the speedy passage of 50 years, Mr Ashcroft said: "We value the support we give to each other."

Mrs Ashcroft agreed. "I think the secret is in being contented," she said.