ONLY one member of Irene and Bernard Upton's family was absent from their golden wedding celebrations on Saturday their first great grandson Leo who, at just under two, was too young to travel from his home in Germany to Oare for the celebrations.

While his mother, Helen, flew to England for the family get-together at the Village Hall in Oare on Saturday, Leo stayed in Germany with his father.

All seven of the couple's grandchildren, together with their two sons and two daughters attended a family lunch and an evening party to which many of the couple's friends were also invited.

Mr Upton, 74, continues as head gardener at Oare House where he has worked for 47 years, originally for Sir Jeffrey Fry of the chocolate family, then the Australian High Commissioner Sir Alexander Downer and latterly for banker Henry Keswick.

Despite his age and the fact he had heart surgery four years ago he still puts in a four-day week and Mrs Upton said: "He loves his work so much."

The couple were married in Henley on Thames where Mrs Upton had grown up. Mr Upton originated from Reading.

When he is not tending the formal gardens at Oare House or his own immaculate garden, Mr Upton likes to relax watching racing on television. Mrs Upton, 68, is a crossword puzzle enthusiast.