VILLAGERS in Walkhampton pulled out all the stops to make sure the diamond wedding celebrations for William and Amelia Crocker went with a real bang last Sunday.

Bill and Mill, as they are known, were joined by 70 friends and family members in Walkhampton Memorial Hall, to mark their 60 years together.

Mrs Crocker, 79, was born in the village and Mr Crocker, 85, was from St Blazey in Cornwall. They met when Mr Crocker was working at the former RAF Sharpitor on Dartmoor and he was lodging with Mrs Crocker's aunt.

They married in Walkhampton Parish Church on March 24, 1951 but left the village 50 years ago as Mr Crocker's work in the technical department of the RAF meant living in various parts of the UK and abroad.

When Mr Crocker retired 23 years ago the couple moved back to Walkhampton and have been very involved in the community, including the church where Mr Crocker was a churchwarden for many years.

The couple asked for donations, in lieu of presents, be given to the Children's Hospice South West. They expressed a big thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special.