James and Harriet Fitch, of Tunbridge Close, Bottisham, were married 50 years ago after a chance meeting at the Ulrika Eleonora Swedish Church in London, where Harriet was working as a librarian and secretary.

"I saw Harriet in the distance across the room," recalled Mr Fitch. "I thought to myself, 'there is someone worth getting to know'."

It was not all smooth going for the couple however. Shortly after moving to London from Stockholm in 1956, Harriet was forced to move back home to look after a family member.

But the couple kept in touch by letter and met again when Mr Fitch was on a business trip in Sweden, before they were eventually engaged.

And memories of their wedding day are still fresh in their minds.

"It had been quite overcast," said Mr Fitch. "But when Harriet got out of the car, the sun started shining.

"Obviously the vicar had done his job and asked for some good weather."

Born in Glasgow, Mr Fitch worked across the world with Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) between 1958 and 1985.

A graduate of Pembroke College, Cambridge, he was also involved with East Cambridgeshire Council for 26 years and Cambridgeshire County Council for 16 years.

He is still president of the constituency for South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats.

Mrs Fitch has a keen interest in music and was also regional secretary for the Eastern Region Liberal Party from 1977 to 1986.

The couple have three children, Henry, 46, Karin, 44, and Solveig, 43.

"We are still very happy," said Mr Fitch. "Except for when I have forgotten to do something which I promised Harriet. The path to the dog house is very well worn."

Mr and Mrs Fitch will celebrate their anniversary with their close family tomorrow, before travelling to Shetland, where they spent their honeymoon on a scooter, on Saturday.

"I think this time we will take the car," joked Mr Fitch.