TWO words are the secret to a happy marriage according to a couple celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

Bill and Lilian Davies from Backbury View in Dormington got married on July 26, 1958.

Mr Davies, 85, said: "The secret of a happy marriage is hard work, both pulling together and two words: 'Yes dear.'"

He was born at Withington and went to the village school until he was 14 - he was head gardener and supplied vegetables for the school meals during the war.

He then went to work at Lloyds Tile Factory at Withington as an apprentice fire place maker.

Mr Davies joined the army at 18 (light infantry) and served in Cyprus and Egypt.

He was demobbed and went to work for Bulmers, then onto Inco Alloys in Hereford as a Special Metals inspector for 34 years. He retired at 60.

Mrs Davies was born at Burghill and then moved to Backbury Hill, Dormington before she went to Mordiford School until she was 15.

She was then employed at Augustus C Edwards.

Mrs Davies, 80, met her beloved at Bartestree Dance Hall and they were engaged for two years before they married at Dormington Church.

They had three children: Paul, Andrew and Beverley. When the children reached school age she went to work for Rank Hovis McDougall in Ledbury and retired at 60.

They have nine grandchildren: Richard, Lisajane, Stacey, Emma, Samantha, Matthew, Gareth, Yazmin and Zoe. They also have seven great grandchildren; Zeth, Heath, Olivia, Afia, Roman, Bryn and Dylan.

The couple had a party at Alexander Park for 90 guests on Saturday to celebrate their anniversary.