GOOD living and hard work is the secret of a long marriage according to a Siddington couple who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last month.

David and Rene Curtis first met in 1952 when they met in a park in Cheltenham.

It didn’t take long for the two to tie the knot and they wed just two years later at a church in Monmouth, Wales, on November 6, 1954.

David, 87 said: “We first met in July 1952 at Sandford Park in Cheltenham.

“I saw her a few times in the park and really fancied her but I was too shy to go over and meet her. Eventually I plucked up the courage to go and speak to her.”

The couple have been together ever since, living in Cirencester for the past 51 years.

Since then, David and Rene have had six children, 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and two great great grand children.

To celebrate their anniversary, Rene, 85, and David went out for a meal in the evening to the Wheatsheaf Inn, Cirencester, with around 25 close friends and family.

The couple like to spend their time exploring the area, and going to the shops.

They also try and go out three times every week for a meal.

David puts their long term marriage down to happiness, good living and hard work.

He added: “If I lived my life over, I would do it exactly the same.”