NATIONAL Service in North Wales brought together a Grassington man and his future wife.

Edgar Mallinson met Flo from Rhyl during his two-year service with the Royal Artillery.

And, today, the couple will celebrate their diamond wedding, with a family lunch planned for the weekend.

Their two oldest children, Stephen and Denise were both born in North Wales, but the youngest, Christine, was born in Grassington after the family had returned to Upper Wharfedale where nine generations of Mallinsons had lived.

Initially they found a cottage in Chapel Street but moved to Barden Fell View at the edge the village in the late 1950s - which is still their home.

Edgar had been a wagon driver in the Royal Artillery, a job which he enjoyed and pursued throughout his working life. For many years, he worked for the local firm, Cookson's, delivering feed for cattle throughout the district.

The couple - who have three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - are hoping to receive a congratulatory message from the Queen.