A REDDITCH couple, born and bred in the town, have celebrated 75 years of married life.

Charles and Iris Cale from Headless Cross, both appeared in the Redditch Advertiser five years ago when they celebrated their 70th anniversary, but now they are delighted they have chalked up another five years.

After receiving three greetings cards from the Queen for their 60th, 70th and 75th anniversary, the couple said: “Perhaps it’s time we sent the Queen one.”

Mr and Mrs Cale have lived in the same house in Evesham Road since they were married at St Luke’s Church in Headless Cross in 1935.

Their engagement ring cost one pound ten shillings and sixpence which in decimal currency would be about £1.50p.

Mr Cale, 97, left Bridge Street School at aged 14 to start his first job at Huims Shoe Shop in Evesham Street, Redditch, but the large part of his working life was spent working for Britannia Batteries before be retired after 40 years, in 1977. Mrs Cale, 94, spent the best part of her working life - 34 years - at the Redditch firm, Lewis Springs.

The couple enjoyed a small wedding anniversary celebration at home with their family and friends on August 3. They have two sons, Brian and Alan, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.