FORMER Minehead AFC right winger Bernard Andrews celebrated his diamond wedding with wife Kathleen (née Sweetland) aboard a special West Somerset Railway steam train.

The couple, known as Andy and Kate, who were married on April 2, l955 in Exford Parish Church, enjoyed fish and chips and celebratory cake in a private hire carriage on the railway.

The pair spent their formative years living in or near Minehead, both attending the Minehead Grammar School, and wanted to include a trip on the heritage line as part of their diamond anniversary celebrations.

Football also had to feature as Andy played with the very successful men's football team as a talented 14-year-old when the side subsequently won the North Devon League and the North Devon Charity Cup Final in 1948.

He continued to be a regular player until his first National Service and until work took him away from Minehead to Gloucestershire.

The steam train became their link between Somerset and Gloucestershire during Andy's visits home, Kate accompanying him as far as Taunton on his return journey but returning to Minehead alone!

The day culminated with a visit to Minehead Football Club where Andy was presented with a T-shirt commemorating 125 years of the club, by Brian Walder, who is compiling a definitive history of the club.

The couple thanked everyone who helped them celebrate their day: "Everything ran so smoothly and efficiently and everyone appeared to be enjoying it as much as us."