A BARRY couple have celebrated an amazing 75 years of marriage.

Edwin and Iona Davies, who have lived in Pontypridd Road for more than 40 years, met at Sunday school at Barry Island and overcame wartime restrictions to begin their married life.

The couple married at St John’s Methodist Church, Barry Island, on October 11, 1941 and on Tuesday, October 11 this week celebrated their partnership with family and a visit from Barry Town Council mayor Charlotte Williams.

The pair also took delivery of their seventh anniversary card from the Queen at Mrs Davies’ Waverley Care home in Penarth where Mrs Davies now lives.

Mr Davies, 96, was 21 when he married 18-year-old Iona during a weeks leave from the army.

The wedding dresses were bought using any coupons that could be spared by all members of the family and friends.

Rationing meant that there was no sugar available due to the shortage of coupons, so they managed to have a cake but it was decorated with chocolate.

They then took the train to stay with aunt Aggie in Alcester for their honeymoon weekend.

The trains were slow and late – no lighting due to war regulations - and they spent a few hours waiting in the dark and “freezing” Snow Hill Station before the train arrived to take them to Alcester.

They had had to return after a very short holiday as he had to return to the army after the week’s leave.

Mr Davies worked in a shoe shop when he left the army and spent his working days thereafter as a shoe shop manager.

Mrs Davies worked in Dan Evans’ children’s department for many years.

The Davies' have six grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Speaking about the trick to maintaining a long and happy marriage Mr Davies said: "We have had our ups and downs, but as long as your ups are more than your downs then you’ll be all right. It’s a matter of give and take.”