Today (Friday) promises to be a golden day for popular local couple, Audrey and Peter Thomas.

For many years affectionately known as Kilgetty's 'Mr. and Mrs. Christmas', Audrey and Peter are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

Married at Tabernacle Chapel, Narberth, at 11 am on November 11, 1961, the couple, who now live in Templeton, first met when they both worked for the town's James Williams Brewery.

Audrey, who was born and brought up in Cold Blow, had just started work in the office of the Spring Gardens business, while Peter, who hails from Kilgetty, was a delivery driver.

Peter left shortly afterwards to start work for the nearby Co-op and it was when that company was organising a trip to Bristol Zoo that he asked Audrey along. She was still new at James Williams and was afraid to ask for the day off, so declined, but said she would like to meet another time. Peter was over the moon!

Following their wedding, the couple set-up home at St. Mary's Place, Kilgetty, where they spent most of their married life until moving to Templeton a few years ago.

The couple had three children, Robert (who sadly predeceased them), Kevin and Donna (now Longhurst).

Kevin, known as KP, owns the oil and fuel distribution company, K.P. Thomas and Son, but during their working lives, Audrey and Peter have been familiar faces at the Templeton-based company.

Audrey and Peter have five grandchildren, Nichola and Daniel Thomas, Lowri, Dan and Chris Longhurst.

Audrey and Peter became famous nationwide for decorating their house in thousands of festive fairylights and motifs in the run-up to Christmas. People would travel from all over to see the illuminated display which, during a 25-year period, raised approximately £97,000 for charities and good causes. Their spectacular show also earned them the title of GMTV's best decorated house in Britain.

Since moving to Templeton, the couple have 'retired' from decking out their home, instead, Peter busies himself at his Magpie's Nest Museum, where he has a magnificent collection of artefacts relating to times gone by which he has been collecting since the early 1960s.

Again, he raises money for charities, particularly those cancer-related, through donations made by groups and organisations visiting his exhibitions.

The couple will be celebrating their 50th anniversary with a special party for family and friends.

When asked for their recipe for a long and happy marriage, both Audrey and Peter agreed working together, talking to each other and plenty of laughter that had contributed to their 50 happy years.

"Peter still tells me he loves me too," smiled Audrey.

"I am very, very lucky," added Peter. "If I had my time over again, I would marry Audrey again. I couldn't wish for anyone better."