A FOREST couple who emigrated to Australia 40 years ago want to share their 50th wedding anniversary news with their friends at home.

Albert Thomas married Margaret Nelmes at St Mary's Church, Lydney, on March 21, 1959 after meeting at a dance at Lydney Town Hall five years earlier.

Albert worked as a builder and retired a few years ago and Margaret was a housewife, a nail technician, and has worked in party plan sales.

In 1968 Albert decided on a move to Melbourne, Australia, with his wife and three children, Darren, Morgan and Kendel.

Kendel said: "Dad wanted to provide the best future he could for his family. Australia was looking for builders and my mum's brother was already in Australia. Dad decided that was it – my mum cried for two years."

The couple now have 10 grandchildren who adore them both and visit 'home' in the Forest every couple of years.

Some of the family have flown over the Aylburton to celebrate but many other close ones are unable to make the long trip across the globe.

Kendel says the secret to their long and successful marriage is a lot of laughter and love.

She said: "They still laugh together, they are both independent, passionate and dedicated to their family. Both worked hard all their lives and took care of many other people.

"Underneath they are still very much English and proud of that."