A couple from Southwick are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary, 65 years after meeting during the Second World War.

Pat Cleverley, 82, grew up in Fulham in west London, until she was evacuated to Devizes when she was a teenager.

It was there she met her future husband, Hugh Cleverley, 83, who grew up in Heddington, Calne.

His grandfather lived in the house next to Mrs Cleverley and they soon caught each other’s eye.

Mr Cleverley said: “It was the only good thing to come out of the Second World War. She played hard to get at first, but I won her round.”

The couple married at St Peter’s Church, Notting Hill, on November 29, 1952.

They have lived in the same house in Southwick for 51 years and, even before that, lived in Bromham and Shrivenham.

Mr Cleverley spent eight years in the RAF, before becoming a welding instructor at the Royal Military College of Science, in Chippenham.

He was a welding lecturer at Trowbridge College for 23 years, before retiring in 1990.

Mrs Cleverley worked at Taylor’s drapers, in Trowbridge, then completed a course in bookkeeping at Trowbridge College, before spending 15 years in the accounts department at the Wiltshire Times.

She said: “We are a very compatible couple and never have any real rows.”

Their daughter, Ingrid Hayes, lives in America and son Paul John Cleverley lives in Australia, so the couple send emails and using a webcam to stay in touch.

Mr and Mrs Cleverley, who live in Blind Lane, have six grandchildren, but have yet to meet their first great grandchild. He will be there when the whole family – more than 30 people – come to Southwick at Christmas.

Mrs Cleverley said: “We have visited our family in America and Australia many times, but now find flying quite difficult, so it will be lovely having everyone over.”

The couple have been Trowbridge Town Bowls Club members for 18 years and played for the county.

Mr Cleverley still enjoys his garden and fishing, while his wife likes making jams, chutney, doing crochet and dressmaking.