When Walton couple Ernest and Audrey Gilder tied the knot in Audrey’s home village of Abbots Ripton, near Huntingdon, the whole village turned out and Lord and Lady De Ramsey of Abbots Ripton Hall had to move their showpiece event.

But it seems that five decades on all is forgiven and the couple invited Ernest (87) and Audrey (80) to tea to celebrate their special Diamond Wedding anniversary and took them round the private gardens before having tea on the terrace.

Audrey, nee White, said: “It was a lovely gesture after they had to postpone their garden party 50 years ago. They were really down to earth and made it really special.”

The couple celebrated close to home in Mountsteven Avenue last month, with a marquee in their garden, where they welcomed more that 80 friends and family to join in the sparkling fun.

They had met more than 50 years ago in Abbots Ripton when Ernest, who lived in Newborough at the time, came to visit his friend Wilf, who in turn was friends with Audrey’s three brothers.

She said: “Ernest used to come to visit with a friend who lived next door to us and play darts. We were all teenagers and friends together but I soon noticed he started coming back without his friend. We used to go out walking and go to the pictures.”

Ernest, who was born in Oundle before moving to Newborough, took up the story saying: “I was visiting my friend Wilf when who should I meet but Audrey. We had a bit of a talk together and that was that. I just enjoyed looking at her and she had nice legs.”

Ernest did not get down on one knee but dropped the marriage proposal into a conversation and was delighted when Audrey agreed to be his wife.

They married on July 3, 1948 in Abbots Ripton Church, and once married they moved to Newborough where Ernest worked on a farm until he was 45 and an accident meant he had to leave that line of work and go into building materials.

Audrey worked for 11 years at Kate’s Cabin Cafe, near Alwalton, on the Great North Road, serving up industrial strength tea and coffee for thirsty travellers.

They had three children, Marilyn, Bettina and Edwin, and now also boast five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, the eldest of which has just joined the army.

The couple who have lived in Walton for nearly 40 years said there was no secret to a long marriage.

Audrey said: “I think you have to work at a marriage. We have had our ups and downs but there is no one like him and nobody comes up to his standards.”

Ernest added: “She is still alright after all these years and I still like looking at her.”