NEWPORT couple George and Queenie Masters, pictured, had some special guests at their diamond wedding celebrations - their family from Australia flew back for the event.

The pair, both 82, of Abbey Road, Ringland, partied at the Baneswell Social Club, and their son, Keith, 52, and daughter-in-law, Karen, flew in from Australia.

Queenie said: "It was lovely to see them again, and especially for the rest of the family who haven't seen them for about five or six years.

"George and I have visited Australia nine times, but the last time was two years ago." Former train driver George swept his future bride off her feet at a fairground at the bottom of Whitham Street, Newport, when they were both just 20.

Queenie said: "George came and asked me out. Three months later we got engaged but we didn't get married at St John's Church, Maindee, until two years later."

Queenie formerly worked for Walker Ross Ammunition during the Second World War and George retired from British Rail after 50 years' service.

The couple have two other children, Geoff, 58, and Jeanette Babbington, 49, and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.