Mr Albert Moulder, a Director of Radstock Co-operative Society, presented gifts to Eric and Doreen Doughty to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary which they celebrated on 2nd August.

Eric says: "I was born at Lower Whitelands, Radstock in 1932 and have two brothers, both also good footballers. Doreen was also born in 1932 at Hillside View, Peasedown St John, her maiden name was Mitchard and she was one of thirteen children.

"Doreen and I met when I began playing football for Peasedown, she was a regular supporter of the club. I signed a professional contract with Arsenal F.C. in July 1949 and was called up for the RAF in 1950 and had two years national service. During this time, Doreen worked for Tate and Lyle in Keynsham.

"We married on 2nd August 1952 and Doreen moved to London with me and we were provided with a flat in Muswell Hill by Arsenal F.C. Doreen worked for a TV company in Highbury Hill and having finished my national service, I remained with the Arsenal Football Club until 1958.

"Our first daughter, Linda, was born in 1956. In 1958, I was transferred to Plymouth Argyle for £1,500. Our second daughter, Elaine, was born in 1959. At Plymouth, I sustained a bad knee injury against Hull City which finished my footballing career.

"We moved back to Peasedown in 1960 and I eventually joined C & J Clarks Shoemakers and remained there for 34 years until my retirement. I became a foreman in the making room at Rushill and then moved to Wansdyke and later St Peter's, Westfield. Doreen worked for Horstmann Gear in Bath for twenty years until her retirement.

"I joined the Radstock Working Men's Club in 1964 and became the Treasurer in 1971. I am now the Secretary of the club. Doreen was a keen ballroom dancer and with myself, enjoyed the many dances held there. We now enjoy a regular game of whist and attend various venues in the district."

The couple have four grandchildren – Karen, Paula, Ben and Gemma and four great grandchildren. They celebrated their anniversary with family and friends with a party held at the Working Men's Club last Saturday.