A COUPLE living in Alcester who are self-confessed soulmates have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a card from the Queen.

Joan and Ted Morgan, both 81, live at Malin Court retirement home but met at a dance in Sheldon, Birmingham.

"He was one of those cheeky devils who had come out of the army and after we met at the dance he said he was walking me home," explained Joan, "I said: no you're not, I don't even know you."

But Ted persisted and their relationship blossomed. The pair got married at a church in Sheldon and went on to have one daughter, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Ted worked in aircraft engine electronics while Joan had a number of jobs including one at Birmingham Airport.

"To celebrate we had a big party at Malin Court and got a card from the Queen. We were totally gobsmacked when it arrived," said Ted.

When asked the secret to a successful marriage, Ted said that you have to have a good sense of humour, laugh a lot together and don't take life too seriously.

Joan added: "We have had our ups and downs, but not many downs. We are too much alike. We are soulmates and think the same."