A Wallingford couple has celebrated an impressive milestone after 60 years of marriage, surrounded by family and loved ones. 

Back in 1964, the marriage of pen-pals Aidan Shoebridge and Linda Strange was on the front page of the Wallingford Herald. 

This year, on May 30, Aidan and Linda Shoebridge celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary followed by a surprise family gathering on the weekend. 

READ MORE: Sausages spilled over motorway in lorry crash

"Not bad, considering they said it would never last," daughter Kate joked. 

It has been a marriage of service, not just to their family but to their community too - particularly in Wallingford. 

For 30 years the dedicated couple has organised the poppy appeal in and around Wallingford, as well as having been actively involved in the British Legion. 

Aidan and Linda have also been key figures in liaising with members of the Royal Canadian Air Force's 426 Thunderbird Squadron and helping to keep the Wilding & Andrew Cairn Service alive. 

Their work helped continue Wallingford's memorial to two Canadian airmen - Flying Officer John Wilding and Flight Sergeant John Andrew - who gave up their lives to save the town in September 1944. 

Going back to the beginning, Aidan and Linda were pen-pals turned newlyweds. 

Mr Shoebridge was serving with the Royal Engineers in Dusseldorf, Germany, at the time and the couple made their home there initially after the Wallingford wedding. 

Mrs Shoebridge was a clerical officer in the Engineering Division of Harwell A.E.R.E. at the time. 

The wedding took place at St Leonard's Church and the now Mrs Shoebridge wore a full-length dress of white figured brocade, with train. 

The Wallingford Herald from the time described her stunning waist-length veil, which was held by a coronet of white flowers.

She also carried a bouquet of apricot roses and lily-of-the-valley. 

She was attended by Mrs Janice Neal and Miss Sheila Howes, while the best man was Mr Brian Taylor.

After moving back from Dusseldorf in 1966, Aidan and Linda lived in Beansheaf Terrace, moving on to Brookmead Drive as their children - Rupert, Kate and Edward - grew up. 

Mrs Shoebridge worked as a dinner lady at St John's School during this time, with her daughter Kate describing how she would "check under 100s of lettuce leaves for the hidden beetroot". 

The couple then moved on to Millbrook Close where they have been living for the past 40 years. 

It was from there that Aidan taught himself the art of locksmithing and offered his services locally for many years. 

The couple are much loved in the community - particularly by their children and grandchildren. 

Their loved ones said: "Here's to the next 60 years!"