Ronald Challis, 83, was working as a steel erector for London firm A J Main when he first met his future wife Jean.

Then aged 21, he had visited her father's farm near Nuneaton, Leicestershire, to construct a shed.

Love soon blossomed following a trip to the pub and the couple got married three years later when Jean turned 21.

"My father said I could not get married until I was 21," said Jean, 81.

"I turned 21 one day and got married the next week."

Two months after tying the knot, the couple moved to Soham, where Ronald was born and bred, and rented rooms in a number of locations including Bushel Lane and Downfields.

They later bought their first house in Townsend before moving to their current home in The Shade, where they have lived for 44 years.

They both have a love of the land and kept cattle, chickens and pigs for around 30 years as a hobby.

Ronald also enjoys making things with wood and Jean has a love of knitting.

"We both work together," said Ronald. "You must agree on these things. If I go to town on a Sunday morning for a paper, Jean always comes with me."

The couple have three children, Graham, Linda and Colin, seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.