RAIL enthusiasts Royston and Joan Collett from Ludgershall celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a railway journey between York and Carlisle.

The couple met in April 1947 at the Centurion Club, also in Ludgershall.

Joan was Royston’s first girlfriend and, although at first Joan thought Royston might already be married, on 6 September at South Tidworth church they tied the knot.

Royston worked in the town at the Ludgershall Vehicle Depot, giving 39 years of service, working on various vehicles and servicing tanks before retirement. During the Second World War he was also a marshall on local railways, working his way up from a porter.

Joan’s working life also took place in Ludgershall. She worked at the local medical centre in Ludgershall for 19 years before retirement, having raised the couple’s son Alan, who is now 58 and also a rail fan.

Joan collects teddy bears, silver and ornaments and the pair have enjoyed many holidays every year all over the UK, in particular to Scotland which they describe as “beautiful” and Pickering in North Yorkshire to see the various railways.

When asked what has made their relationship work for so long Joan explained: “He looks out for me and I look out for him, we really get on quite chummy.”

She added: “We have had our ups and downs, you can’t believe people that say they don’t argue, but it is usually finished in a matter of minutes and all in all if you both stick together you’ll be fine.”

To mark the anniversary the couple enjoyed a surprise party in Collingbourne Ducis, organised by their son.