Cecil and Betty Scratchley, who met while working at Wadworth’s brewery in Devizes, today celebrate 60 years of 6Xful marriage.

Mr Scratchley, who was born in West Lavington but moved to Devizes when he was six, went to work at Wadworth’s days after leaving school in January 1938 at the age of 16.

He began as an office boy, working from 5.45am to 5.30pm and delivering mail to pubs in the area after that. He was called up to the RAF during the Second World War and was an armourer for Lancaster bombers.

On being demobbed in 1947, he returned to Wadworth’s and soon met his future wife, Betty, who had recently arrived as a shorthand/typist for the then managing director, Major John Bartholomew.

Mr Scratchley said: “I liked the look of her so I offered her a lift home in my car. I had just passed my driving test. She accepted and the rest is history.”

The couple were married at St James Church on July 29 1950. They had three children, Ann (now Ann Ball), David and Michael. They now also have four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mrs Scratchley returned to work at Wadworth’s once her family had grown and worked there a total of 35 years.

Mr Scratchley, affectionately known as Scratch, became a sales representative for the company and served 33 years in that capacity. He retired at the end of 1987 after a total of 50 years’ service and received a gold watch from Major Bartholomew.

Although the couple, who live at Addington Close, Devizes, have enjoyed playing skittles and Mr Scratchley was in a snooker league, their social life has revolved around Wadworth’s.

Mrs Scratchley said: “All our friends were there and we still keep up with them. Even after I retired I went back there as a temp.”

Mr Scratchley added: “I loved working at Wadworth’s. At the weekend I couldn’t wait to get back to work on Monday morning.”

The couple’s son David took over Mr Scratchley’s old sales rep job and has been doing it for over 23 years.