A CHILDHOOD romance blossomed into a long and happy marriage for Lawrence and Muriel Rich.

The couple, who married on July 10, 1943 and are now 82 years old, first met at school aged 13.

Muriel Rich, nee Hooper, worked in the auxiliary fire service and the Women?s Voluntary Service during the war and Lawrence served in the army for three years.

Born and bred in Bere Alston, the couple have one son, Mervyn, who lives in Plymouth with his wife Susan, a granddaughter, Nicola and a great-granddaughter Hayley who is eight months old.

Muriel remembers many happy times.

?At the moment my happiest memory is having our first great-grandchild, quite a recent memory, but very special ? not many people have great-grandchildren,? she said.

?We have always done things together. We love watching sport and were both involved with Bere Alston Football Club. In the 1947-48 season when my husband played for them they won three cups, and I used to raise money for the club.?

Mr and Mrs Rich are looking forward to celebrating their 60 years together with family and friends at their home on Saturday night.