A DEVOTED couple celebrated an extra special Valentine’s Day.

John and Barbara Parsons, who live at Ashley House Bupa Care Home in Cirencester, celebrated their 65th anniversary on the most romantic day of the year.

The doting couple spent Wednesday reminiscing about their wedding day and the happy years they’ve shared together, looking through photographs, enjoying chocolates, receiving some beautiful flowers, and opening cards.

They were joined by their daughter Hilary for the day and their son David was also able to join in the celebrations by video call.

Barbara said: “It has been a truly special day being able to celebrate together with our family.

"I can’t thank the care home team enough for their efforts in helping us mark our 65 years together.”

John, a draftsman, and Barbara, who worked at Lloyds Bank, met when on the Isle of Wight and married at St Mary’s Church in Cowes on Valentine’s Day in 1959.

The couple honeymooned in London, taking the opportunity to leave the island for a theatrical adventure to appease their passion for music and acting, taking in a different show every night.

In the early 60s they headed to Reading where John joined the Basingstoke Male Voice Choir and Barbara chaired the group of supporters.

The couple and their children enjoyed adventures around the world to countries such as Malta, France, Germany and New Zealand.

The couple later moved to Hampshire and made more fond memories.

Their son, David, met and married the love of his life, Sarah, in Australia.

The couple now have two fur babies, Ruby and Tilly, and their daughter, Hilary, married and had three children – Ben, Joseph and Jack.

Barbara and John moved to Ashley House last September.

They now enjoy arts and crafts, visits from pet therapy dogs and reminiscing about their beautiful life and marriage together.

When asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, John said: “The secret to a long and happy marriage is to be very caring, understanding and tolerant of each other."

Ashley House resident experience manager Annie Ruddick said: “We were delighted to be able to spend John and Barbara’s special day with them.

"They are a joy to be around and an inspiration to us all."