TAKING a guided tour of the hometown she knew like the back of her hand was the first sign of Grace Starnes's enduring love for husband Harry - a love lasting more than 60 years.

On Monday, the day of their diamond wedding anniversary, Charnwood Close residents Grace and Harry Starnes raised a glass to many more happy years together.

But when the Andover couple first met in 1943, Bristolian Grace willingly boarded an Army utility vehicle so that Harry could show her the sights of Bristol. Having both been stationed in Avon during the Second World War, physical training instructor Harry had no idea that Grace was originally from the area.

"After we married in St Michael's Church at Knights Enham in 1945, I then had to live with my parents and wait a year for Harry to come back," Grace said.

When they were reunited a year later they settled into a pre-fab home in Vigo Road where they remained for 46 years until moving to Charnwood Close.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser