AN elderly Lydney couple celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary thanking their neighbours for helping them back into their home after a devastating flood.

Angus and Doreen Cooper, of Lakeside Avenue, recently moved back into their bungalow that they were evacuated out of on Christmas Eve during the floods.

Mrs Cooper, 89, said: "We are so grateful to our friends who have been absolutely marvellous.

"Joan (Davies) took us in for a month – but not only that, she slept on a camp bed and Pat and Jeff (Osborne) next door have been so helpful."

Mrs Cooper also extended heartfelt thanks to Jeanette Nelmes, Pru Thorne, Mags Davis, Carol Smith, Chris Turner and Karen Easton.

She added: We still have lots of work to do. As you can imagine we have boxes to sort through that were rescued, but the main thing is we are in.

"The water was so deep it came over the top of the bird bath in the garden.

"Our home was completely flooded – it was strange to see one of our rugs floating. The house had to dry out before work could begin. We have had to have a new kitchen, carpets and plastering."

After a month with Mrs Davies the couple moved to Kings Meadow Court in Lydney.

Mr and Mrs Cooper celebrated their anniversary by going out for a meal with close friends.