A COUPLE from Blakedown celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in style by taking a private train ride on Severn Valley Railway (SVR).

Laura, 76, and Martin Hobson, 74, who got married at St Peters Church, Broome, on Saturday, August 8, 1964, marked 50 years of marriage by welcoming 24 of their nearest and dearest along with them on the journey.

Mr Hobson, who volunteers with SVR as a ticket inspector, thought the idea of holding their celebration on the railway was unusual.

“We wanted to do something that was a bit different rather than a mundane party in the village hall,” he said.

“I’ve been a member of the Severn Valley Railway for many years now and decided on the idea as it would be a different thing to do.

“We took two journeys from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth and back again with 24 members of our family.

“We were looked after brilliantly for the whole day by all the staff and we even had a celebratory cake on our last journey.”

Even though the trains appeal more to her husband, Mrs Hobson, nee Tyler, said she had a brilliant day.

“Everybody enjoyed themselves and it was absolutely brilliant,” she said.

“My son picked us up and brought us to the railway in a stretched limo so it started off great and got even better.

“It was such a lovely day.”

The couple have lived in the area their whole lives and in Mr Hobson’s case the same house, as their home has passed through the generations from his grandfather.

They have three children, Hazel, Judith and John, and eight grandchildren, Craig, Jade, Briony, Megan, Anthony, Declan, Cameron and Daniel.

During their working lives together, Mr Hobson spent more than 40 years in the transportation industry as a chief buyer at bus company, Midland Red and more than 30 years on both parish and district councils as well, while Mrs Hobson spent her years as a housewife.

After 50 years together, the couple said they still loved each other as much now as they had ever done.

Mrs Hobson said: “We have got through everything by enjoying our time together.

“To keep a marriage going you have to enjoy each other’s company and we’re still really happy.”

Mr Hobson said: “Love has to be a foundation of any relationship.

“A marriage needs endurance, perseverance and patience that is built on love.”