POLICE officers Ian and Maria Miller may have been partners in marriage for 25 years but they have also been partners in crime for the last 27 years.

That is because, by coincidence, they both joined Wiltshire Constabulary on exactly the same day July 28, 1975.

They actually met for the first time while on their induction course and love blossomed, resulting in marriage two years later.

They are the longest-serving married couple in the history of Wiltshire Constabulary and celebrate their silver wedding this Tuesday.

Both currently living and working in the Devizes area, Ian has worked all over Wiltshire, and had a stint in Swindon in the past.

He is currently Inspector of the Criminal Justice Unit at Police Headquarters.

Maria started her police career at Chippenham police station, before moving to Devizes.

She is currently a family liaison officer and has worked on various operations since 1999, including being attached to the Porton Down Inquiry at Devizes, on which she is still working.

She said: "The most important aspect of 'married bliss' is to be able to talk to one another and have no secrets. If there are any disagreements, then don't leave it too long before resolving them. Also, it's important to have both common and separate interests.

"We both enjoy travelling, walking and spending time with our dogs and Ian holds a private pilot's licence and enjoys computers, while I enjoy my gardening."

Ian said: "I totally agree with everything my wife says. Seriously though, we're both proud that our careers and private lives have been intertwined for so long.

"We both enjoy working for Wiltshire Constabulary, and it's incredible that we have been there for 27 years. It's a great feeling."