A COUPLE are celebrating their diamond wedding after meeting on the buses during the blackouts in the Second World War.

Arthur and Muriel Bradley, from the Lawns, Swindon, met on a Wilts and Dorset bus in Salisbury in January, 1941.

Arthur was working as a conductor and Muriel was a passenger.

They were engaged in August and married in November as Arthur was to be sent overseas with the Royal Air Force.

They were married on November 15 1941, at Middle Woodford church near Salis-bury.

Speaking of his initial attraction to Muriel, Arthur said: "I just liked what I saw."

Although Arthur is originally from Dorset, Muriel, 80, grew up in Berwick Bassett.

After daughter Pamela was born the couple decided to settle back near Swindon.

Arthur, who will be 80 on Christmas Day, believes the secret to a long and happy marriage is give and take.

"There's no point in taking if you're not giving anything back."

Muriel said: "We always wanted to get married, we had no intention of doing anything else."

The rest of the family are hosting a special party this weekend to celebrate the anniversary, at Brinkworth village hall.

The couple have three children, Dennis, 56, Pamela 54, and Nigel 47 and five grandchildren, Ian 34, Simon 21, Matthew 18, Stephanie 18, and Paul 14.