A WOMAN who was evacuated from the Channel Islands when she was a girl during the Second World War found love in the village which became her new home.

Now Sheila and Douglas Peck are about to celebrate their diamond wedding on June 8 at the house they have lived in for 60 years.

The couple first met as children at All Cannings Primary School but did not become a couple until Mr Peck returned from doing his National Service when they were in their early 20s.

They married at All Saints church in All Cannings on June 8, 1957 and moved to Tumlins in the village just a few months later. They have stayed there ever since and still enjoy keeping their garden looking pristine and growing plants and vegetables in the greenhouse.

The couple did not have children but their niece and nephew-in-law Alison and Dave Thomas live just a few doors away and are always in and out ready to offer a helping hand.

Mrs Peck, 86, said: “We still manage quite well. We do all of our own cooking, keep the place looking clean and tidy and manage the garden. Douglas still mows the grass.

“We help and support each other. When I left Alderney with my family we only had the clothes we stood up in. We were first evacuated to Scotland and then we came to All Cannings when I was ten. My husband has lived here all his life.”

Mr Peck, 87, worked on a farm after leaving school and then after National Service worked at the flax factory in Devizes, Harris bacon factory in Calne and at a pizza factory in Nursteed Road, Devizes.

Mrs Peck worked for Devizes grocer John Lewis in Maryport Street and then as a civil servant at Hopton Barracks for 22 years.

The couple have been involved in a number of village groups including the gardening club and the over-60s group.

Mrs Peck was also a member of the village WI and for many years ran the raffle.

They now go to a Tuesday Club in Bishops Cannings.

They will celebrate their anniversary later in the summer to coincide with the 90th birthday of Mrs Peck’s sister Doreen Grant who lives in Market Lavington. A party for about 80 family, friends and neighbours will be held at the village school.