A FORMER photographer enjoyed a double celebration when he marked his 100th birthday and wedding anniversary at a Crewe care home.

Ron Smith and his wife, Bonnie, tucked into their favourite meal, a Chinese takeaway, laid on for them by staff at Belong village where they are both residents.

It was part of a special party for the couple to commemorate the milestone occasions. They were also celebrating 78 years of married life having first met at a summer fair in 1939.

The Brookhouse Drive care village has been their home for the last three years and staff and other residents put on a joint birthday-anniversary party for the couple, filled with flowers, gifts, and presentation of birthday wishes in the form of a card from Her Majesty, the Queen.

Afterwards the couple enjoyed a romantic meal-for-two.

Born at the start of the 'Roaring Twenties', Ron grew up around Crystal Palace in South London, and after completing school, joined the Territorial Army, where he spent 13 years, progressing to Sergeant Major rank and serving in World War II before leaving to pursue a career in education.

He spent 25 years teaching at the UK's first photography department at Holland Park School in Kensington, during which time Ron was awarded the 1976 Royal Photographic Society Hood Medal for services to photography.

The couple, who were blessed with a son, Michael, and six grandchildren, moved to Cheshire for their retirement. But Ron continued teaching into his 90s and although now registered blind he maintains his passion through membership of the Disabled Photographers' Society.

Ron and Bonnie, who have lived through World War II and twenty prime ministers, put down the secret to a long and happy marriage as "being prepared to give as well as take and to just enjoy being together in each other's company".

Staff at Belong say their favourite pastime is having a cup of tea together and "putting the world to rights".

Kathryn Farmer, general manager at Belong, said: "We were thrilled to be part of Ron and Bonnie's momentous occasions. Everyone at the village had a wonderful time celebrating with them, reminiscing about old times and even enjoying a double helping of cake to mark both events."

Belong operates villages providing a range of care, housing and support options for older people. It specialises in supporting people with dementia.