BRIAN Drayson from Figheldean first caught sight of his future bride Pam at a dance in Fittleton, Wiltshire, when he was in RAF.

The couple got married two years later in the village church, and will be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary tomorrow.

Mr Drayson, 75, trained as an apprentice brick layer before he joined the airforce and was posted to various places, including Christmas Island and Hawaii.

After coming home and finishing his service, he was a reserve for two and a half years before continuing his bricklaying with a company in Devizes – helping to build Salisbury College and the Butt of Ale pub.

Mrs Drayson, 70, worked at Wessex Aircraft Engineering Company (WAECO) at High Post, before leaving to bring up the couple’s two children – Simon and Melanie.

Nowadays, Mr Drayson runs bingo nights in Figheldean and is a keen Portsmouth Football Club supporter, while Mrs Drayson enjoys gardening, DIY and cooking. They also enjoy seeing their two children and their grandson Jack.

And their secret to a long a successful marriage? “Give and take,” said Mr Drayson.

“Well I think with ups and down,” said Mrs Drayson. “You get married and you are supposed to stick at it.”