A FARMING couple from Ashbury celebrated their platinum wedding anniverary in lockdown on Good Friday.

Leslie (Les) and Betty (Bet) Friend were married 70 years ago on April 10 1950 in the parish church in Bet’s home village of Inwardleigh. The couple met at a dance locally.

They still live on the farm at Wadland Barton, Ashbury where Les was born and where they celebrated their impressive anniversary on Friday.

‘Our son and daughter in law live here beside us and we had a little toast,’ said Les. ‘We have also been out for a walk.’

Les, who is 93 years young, and 90-year-old Bet spend their days watching modern farming operations from their home on the farm, these days run by their son.

They keep fit and active inspecting the farmyards and barns and seeing the spring lambs and calves that have arrived in recent weeks.

If the lockdown had not happened, a family get-together was planned with their three children Bridget, Stan and Phil, wives Pam and Sue, their eight grandchildren and their partners and their 14 great-grandchildren.

They all sent their congratulations.