A COUPLE who have fostered 53 children have celebrated their diamond wedding.

Daniel and Pauline Ayre, of Brook Terrace, Crimble, Slaithwaite, met at Crimble Congregational Mission during the Second World War.

Mr Ayre, 83, who is originally from Sunderland, served with the Royal Signals and was stationed in Slaithwaite.

The couple married at the former Zion Baptist Church in the village and went on to be deacons, Sunday school teachers and choir members there.They now worship at Golcar Baptist Church.

Mr Ayre worked at David Brown Tractors at Meltham and later at Hopkinsons valve-makers in Birkby until his retirement.

Mrs Ayre, 81 worked in the drapery department in the village Co-op for about 26 years until its closure. The couple have two daughters and a son, eight grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.

As well as fostering children, the couple have taken elderly people into their home and now foster cats for the RSPCA. Mr Ayre also helps with Huddersfield Hospital Radio.

The couple will celebrate their anniversary tomorrow with an open house and will enjoying a family meal later.

They have asked for donations to the Epilepsy Action charity instead of presents.