LOVE blossomed at a wartime dance for a couple who are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

Tom Marshall spotted his future wife, Ann, dancing with her friend at the village dance, in Bircotes, Doncaster.

He asked her to dance and the couple, from Heather Lane, Crook, have been together since.

Mr Marshall, originally from Willington, had been stationed near Doncaster when he was in the RAF, but moved back to the area with his wife after their wedding on May 19, 1945.

Mr Marshall said: "I used to cycle ten miles every day just to see her. She was worth it then and she is worth it now.''

He worked as an engineer for the National Coal Board before his retirement and Mrs Marshall looked after the couple's three sons Alan, Colin and Barry.

The pair, who are now 80, have six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and are looking forward to celebrating their anniversary with family and friends at Elm Park, near Crook tonight.

Mrs Marshall said: "We have never been apart. It doesn't matter where we go we never go without each other. We are happy enough just being at home together."