A COUPLE who married at the height of the Second World War have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Raymond and Agnes Kirby married at St Peter's Church, in Osmotherley, on May 9, 1942.

They could not have their reception at the village hall because of black-out regulations so celebrated at Mrs Kirby's parents' home.

Mr Kirby, originally from York, was a regular soldier with the British Army.

The couple met in 1940 after he returned from Dunkirk.Shortly after their wedding, they were parted for three-and-a-half years while Mr Kirby fought with the Eighth Army in North Africa and Italy.

After the war, they moved to York before setting up home at their present house in The Fairway, Romanby, in 1954.

The couple, who are both 86, have two children, two grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Mr Kirby said: "I don't think there is any secret to a long marriage. You have just got to work hard."

Mr and Mrs Kirby were presented with a card and flowers by the chairwoman of Hambleton District Council, Councillor Susan Latter, and also received a card from the Queen.