A COUPLE from Chipping Sodbury have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at home in a special celebration with family and friends.

Heather and Steve Ashcroft, who live on Kestrel Close, met in 1962 when an 20-year-old Steve came to call for her sister, but when she was no available, he took out Heather instead.

After quickly becoming enamoured with the 18-year-old Heather, the two became an item, marrying four years later.

Originally from Fishponds in Bristol, the couple moved to Chipping Sodbury in 1968, and live in the very same house today that they first moved into when they came to the town.

Before retiring, Steve worked as a machine operator in Fishponds, while Heather worked in the computer section of Newmans factory in Yate until it closed, when she worked in the newsagents in Chipping Sodbury.

Celebrating their anniversary at home with friends, family and neighbours, the couple were also presented with a bouquet of flowers by Cllr Christine Howard, Vice Chairman of Dodington Parish Council on October 1.

Putting the success and happiness of their marriage down to working together as a team, making decisions and allowing for some give and take, the couple now have two sons, one living in Tewkesbury, and the other all the way over in New Zealand, and have three lovely grandchildren.

The couple also keep very active in their retirement, with Steve a keen photographer and amateur radio enthusiast, while Heather is involved in the work of the Pop Inn Café in Yate and enjoys the keep-fit and aqua-fit classes in Yate Leisure Centre.