Andover couple - Mark and Mary Carter - celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Saturday.

Mr Carter, aged 83, was a JP for 21 years and chairman of the Andover bench for 17 years.

After the Second World War he carried on the family grocery business, Shaw and Son, until his retirement in 1988. His wife, Mary, also owned and ran Carlyns health food shop in the town before selling up in 1987.

The pair were born and bred in Andover, went to Andover Grammar School and grew up together, marrying in 1942. Mr Carter saw service as a radio mechanic in North Africa and Italy. After the war he went back to work in the shop, founded in 1808.

Mrs Carter, aged 85, studied domestic science in London and before the war prepared on-board meals for Imperial Airways. In their leisure time they have enjoyed playing badminton, tennis and golf, although now they confine themselves to watching sport.

Mr Carter was a founder member of Andover Round Table and later a member of the Rotary Club and the 41 Club. Among other activities, they were also involved in Arthritis Research and worked for Meals on Wheels for 10 years.

The couple who live in The Avenue have two sons, John, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.