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FRANCIS William Curtis Smith and Lilias Williamson Smith, of High Park Close, Mount Nod, Coventry, are celebrating their diamond wedding today.

The couple, known as Frank and Lily, met at the GEC Ballroom, and married at St Michael's Church, Stoke, Coventry, on August 11, 1945.

Frank served his apprenticeship with AC Wickman and worked at Armstrong Siddeley Motors as a design engineer. He spent 11 years at Morris Motors, 18 years at Alfred Herberts, before moving to Rover, until his retirement.

Frank also served through the war in the home guard, and became the youngest lieutenant in the battalion.

Lily was born in Linlithgow, Scotland, and moved to Coventry in 1943 to work at the GEC. She later moved to work at Wickmans and Tile Hill College.

Frank is a keen sportsman, and played table tennis for 20 years.

His main hobby is singing, he is a member of octects and choirs and one of the original members of the Nostalgic Singers. He also enjoys gardening.

Lily enjoys cookery, travelling and spending time with their family.

They have six children - Graham, Frank, Barbara, Robert, Bryan and Paul - 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

To celebrate their anniversary, the couple are holding a family party, and are planning a cruise later in the year.