John and Barbara Hooper of Ledbury, both 97 years old, celebrated their 75th Diamond wedding anniversary this week and received a congratulations card from the King and Queen.

They married on September 1 1949 at Ledbury Methodist Chapel.

1949 was a significant year - NATO was formed: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created on April 4, by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations and the Federal Republic of Germany was established on May 23.

John and Barbara grew up in Ledbury and worked at TRE, and RRDE, Malvern during World War II.

Barbara was a tracer in the Drawing Office and John worked in one of the laboratories. John's experiences were mentioned in Damien Lewis's bestseller, 'SAS Shadow Raiders'.

After the war, John went into the family business - Hoopers Radio and Television, in the Ledbury High Street, and was one of the first colour television engineers in the area.

He also worked on 'pipe television' in the Ledbury area - the forerunner of cable tv, and served on the Ledbury town council in the 1960s.

The couple have four children, eight grandchildren, and eight grandchildren.

Nowadays, they enjoy a quieter life, sitting in the garden on sunny days and occasionally doing a little light gardening together.

Apparently, only . 001627% couples make it their 75th wedding anniversary. It is known as the diamond wedding anniversary.

Congratulations John and Barbara.