TWO childhood sweethearts from Kings Somborne celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last month.

Gordon and Esme House married on January 26 1952 at Romsey Registry Office, surrounded by friends and family.

The pair, who are still very much in love, became childhood sweethearts after growing together in the Test Valley village.

They initially lived with Gordon’s family in Eldon Road, before moving to Muss Lane in 1955. At Christmas 1957 they moved to Eldon Road, where they have now lived for the last 59 years.

Gordon and Esme have a close family of two sons and five daughters who, with their partners, celebrated the anniversary at The Hunters Inn, Romsey.

Gordon worked in agriculture for many years, moving to factory work in Winchester as his family grew. When made redundant, he tirelessly visited any avenue until he was appointed to the post room at NTL in Crawley, a job he loved and looks back on with fond memories.

Esme had a full-time role bringing up her family, but as they grew up and left home, she became a dinner lady at Kings Somborne C of E Primary School. She was known affectionately as ‘Auntie Es’ by many of the pupils.

Their seven children have all married and Gordon and Esme now have 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

The pair enjoy being part of the village community of Kings Somborne, taking part in many of the events in the village in past years. Gordon became chairman of the Working Mens Club, running the regular Bingo sessions on a Sunday evening and both worked behind the bar on function nights.