SEVENTY years of marriage have been celebrated by a retired foundry worker and chain maker who have lived and worked in Cradley Heath all their lives.

Bert Boswell, aged 93, now lives in a care home in Old Hill after suffering a couple of strokes, but the milestone platinum anniversary was marked with a special get-together with his wife Elsie, aged 90, and their two sons yesterday.

Mrs Boswell, who still lives in the family home in Dingle Avenue with their youngest son Ian, was a chain maker at Griffin Woodhouse until she was 74.

Older son Bob said: "Mum worked particularly hard, although during the latter part, the chain making did become a bit easier as it progressed to electrical spot welding. However, she also went back to Griffin Woodhouse in the evenings to work as a cleaner."

Mr Boswell was a moulder at Oakley's Foundry in Cradley Heath, which became Henley, for most of his working life, moving to TB Wellings for a couple of years before retiring.

Their son, aged 66, added: "It was extremely hard work and I can remember he would come home covered from head to foot in soot. One of my tasks when he got back home from work was to help peel his shirt and vest off."

During the Second World War Mr Boswell served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and was one of the first allied troops to enter Berlin.

He was also a keen snooker player and represented Old Hill British Legion where he also played cribbage and dominoes. His claim to fame is that he once played the legendary Fred Davis in an exhibition game. Bob went onto play Steve Davis in 1984 just six weeks before he won his first world title.