A COUPLE from Rock say they are still very much in love as they celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.

Albert Ward, 84, and Sheila Ward, 79, of Organs Hill, will be marking 60 years together on Thursday, June 20.

The two were married at St Michael and All Angel's Church in Norton, Stourbridge in 1959.

Albert Ward was born in Bewdley, and Sheila in Tenbury Wells, and she later moved to Stourbridge for her policeman father's work.

The pair will be celebrating 60 years since tying the knot at a family gathering and barbecue at their son Scott's house.

The couple have five children, 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren in total.

Albert served in the first Royal Dragoons and his three sons, as well as two of his grandsons, are currently serving in the Blues and Royals.

He said: "We are quite a military family and we are very close."

The couple first came into contact in 1955 as pen pals, when Sheila wrote a letter to Albert during his time in the Army.

When Albert returned, the two lovebirds went out on dates together, often to the cinema.

They were married in 1959, and moved to Rock where they have lived for the last 50 years.

Albert worked as an electrician by trade, and was the managing director of an electrical manufacturing company, and Sheila raised their family and later tended a small holding.

The Wards have a deep interest in Welsh history, and have involved themselves in a number of societies such as the Welsh Battlefield Society and the Princess Gwenllian Society.

They were also involved in a project to restore the historic St Mary's Church in Pilleth.

Albert said: "The years have been wonderful, everything has been a moment since we first met.

"We met and we have been in love ever since.

Asked about the key to a long-running marriage, Albert said: "It's all a matter of trust and honesty."