A COUPLE who survived a head-on collision last year have just celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary surrounded by family.

Arthur and Sylvia Viggars from Milton Abbot married 60 years ago on February 22, 1958 at Milton Abbot Church.

Daughter Susan Champion from Milton Abbot said that the family were very ‘blessed’ to have them fit and well after a head-on car accident in Milton Abbot last September.

‘To go through something like that is traumatic, especially at their age — we are so blessed to have them here, so this celebration means even more.’

Susan and her sister Melanie Wellard, grandchildren Kate and Jack Champion and Tom and James Wellard, as well as the fourth generation of great grandchildren, all toasted the happy couple on the milestone last Saturday (February 17).

Arthur, 89, was a farmer at Dunterton until his retirement, while Sylvia, 85, née Doidge worked in admin at Tavistock Hospital until they married, when Sylvia went to work on the farm with Arthur. When the couple retired they moved to Milton Abbot.

The couple both went to Milton Abbot School and had their first date at Goose Fair about 63 years ago.

Granddaughter Kate Champion said: ’After their head-on collision they ended up in hospital. Grandma had five broken ribs and a broken sternum. It took her a while to recover and to walk, whereas Grandad didn’t come away with anything broken and was walking the next day and even went to Tesco! He is now back driving and we are very happy they are both ok.’

Susan added: ‘My parents have been meaning to thank every emergency service involved in helping them — especially the police. The police were amazing at the time of the incident and even after the event. The police were marvellous — we were left open mouthed with astonishment at how fantastic they were!’

In celebration of their anniversary, the family created a 15 minute video on their life together and presented them with wine glasses.