A couple whose pen friendship blossomed into true love celebrate their diamond wedding today.

Barbara and Robert Taylor from Littlemore, pictured, were penpals for two years while Mr Taylor served in the Navy.

Three children, five grandchildren and four great-children later, the couple said they were as much in love as they had ever been.

Mrs Taylor, 86, said: “A friend of mine had a boyfriend in the Navy and she asked if I would like someone to write to.

“She gave me Bob’s address and we started writing to each other while he was abroad.

“We sent each other photographs and I knew right away that he was the one for me.”

Mr Taylor served in the Royal Navy from 1944 until 1958.

The couple were married in Iffley Church on April 5, 1952. They went on to have three daughters – Julia, Joy and Anne.

Mrs Taylor, nee Burns, worked for Minty furniture and after leaving the Navy, Mr Taylor worked at the Morris factory in Cowley. They have lived in the same house in Minchery Road for 53 years.

Mrs Taylor said: “I think the secret is that we never went out without each other. I had friends at work but we would always go out together.”

Mr Taylor, 84, said: “I think the secret to a long and happy marriage is just being in love with each other.”

Picture: OX51248 Jon Lewis