A YEAR ago Brian Marshall was in intensive care after being airlifted to hospital after a heart attack but this week he celebrated his diamond wedding with his loving wife June.

The couple of Crammer Court, Devizes, became friends on bike rides from work at the flax factory in Devizes to their homes in Bishops Cannings.

But love soon blossomed and they were married in Devizes register office on April 19, 1958. They went on to have three children Janet, Valerie and Graham, 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

On Sunday (29) they will celebrate with a party for 17 of their family and friends at Devizes Sports Club.

Mrs Marshall, 78, said: "I started at the flax factory on the Monday after Brian had left on the Friday. I heard a lot about him and when he came back to the factory after National Service we became friends.

"A group of us used to ride our bikes home but on the last bit it would be just the two of us." They went to the cinema in Devizes on their first proper date and saw the film Carousel.

Mr Marshall, 82, went on to become a car mechanic and after living in flats in Long Street the couple moved to Long Clays in Bishops Cannings and then to Easterton where Mrs Marshall worked in the jam factory as a personnel manager.

Later they ran Marshalls grocery shop in Southbroom Road and the Griddle Grill in the town centre before moving to Wales to set up another business.

But they returned to Devizes a number of years ago and last year moved to Crammer Court after Mr Marshall suffered ill health. On the day they moved he suffered a number of serious cardiac arrests and was brought back to life by doctors and paramedics.

Mr Marshall said: "We like living here. It is very convenient for everything. I am lucky to still be alive."