Couple celebrates Blue Sapphire wedding anniversary with an hour together at a Banbury nursing home

John and Mary Sheppard, celebrating an hour of their 65th wedding anniversary at Green Pastures Nursing Home

The couple enjoyed their celebration during a visiting hour at Green Pastures Nursing Home where Mr Sheppard is a resident.

John and Mary Sheppard married in Akeley Church in Buckingham on January 21, 1955. In spite of rain all day it was a ceremony for a marriage that has lasted more than six decades. John was 27 and Mary was 22 and John's first and only love.

The couple enjoyed a honeymoon at the Strand Palace Hotel in London including a visit to Buckingham Palace.

Mary Sheppard with the flower arrangement she was presented with by husband John on their 65th wedding anniversary

Mr and Mrs Sheppard went to live in Adderbury where they raised their two children, Helen and John. Mr Sheppard worked on a local farm and the couple loved to travel. They then settled in King's Sutton.

Mr Sheppard, now 92, is a resident at Green Pastures but receives regular visits from Mary, now 87. Their anniversary meeting was arranged to meet current restrictions.