WHEN war veteran Reg Smith first saw his future wife he knew she was the one.

As the couple celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary, he says he cannot believe how lucky he has been.

Mr Smith, 81, said: "The night I met her she was in purple with a black jockey hat. I fancied her as soon as I saw her, and now I wouldn't part with her for the world.'' It was July 1940 when Mr Smith arrived in Witton-le-Wear with the First Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery.

He saw his wife, Joyce, now 77, the day after he arrived.They have lived together in the village since their marriage at St John's Church, Escomb, on February 7, 1942.

Mrs Smith said: "There was about two feet of snow and the bottom of my wedding dress got damp. It was a horrible day, but we had a nice time.'' During the Second World War, Mr Smith fought on the beaches at Dunkirk and in Burma.

When he returned home he worked for a time as a driver before joining Pickford Holland, in Crook, where he stayed for 35 years.

Mrs Smith worked as a warden at Wear Valley District Council for 11 years.

The couple have four children, Noreen, June, John and Collin, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

They will celebrate with a family meal on Saturday.