A SOUTH Zeal couple who met at Okehampton Carnival in October 1952 celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last week.

Gerald and Eileen ?née Vanstone ? Jeffery were married at St Andrews Church, South Tawton, on April 25, 1953, and went to Paignton for their honeymoon.

Gerald was born in Throwleigh to parents Gilbert (known as George) and Maud. He was the second eldest of six children. He attended the old Chagford School, before moving to South Zeal with his family.

He served during the war with the RAF in Burma. Gerald was also scout leader at South Zeal for many years before he got married.

Eileen also grew up in the area, attending North Tawton School with her brothers and sisters, later moving to South Tawton with her family.

Gerald and Eileen started their married life in Sticklepath, where their first four children were born, before moving to South Zeal, where they still live.

They are both well known in South Zeal. The family say Gerald cannot go for a short walk as he always stops and chats to someone he knows.

Gerald and Eileen have six children, Alan, David, Jacqueline, Leslie, Jenny and Brian, and sons and daughters-in-law Denise, Reg, Carol, John and Fiona.

They also have ten grandchildren.