A couple who have been closely involved with many aspects of the community in Helston celebrated 50 "wonderful" years of marriage at the weekend.

Leslie and Jerry Collins, from Gweek, who met in a Sussex hospital where Jerry was nursing and Leslie a patient, tied the knot on April 27, 1957.

Leslie, 87, who is probably best known in Helston for his leading role on Flora Day, grew up in the town, attending the former Wesleyan day school in Wendron Street and then Helston Grammar School.

He worked as a civil servant in London before the war and then went into the army. Invalided out after contracting tuberculosis while in Italy, he ended up at a chest hospital in Sussex, where Jerry was a Sister.

The couple later married in Yorkshire, where Jerry grew up, and then returned to Cornwall, living first at Trewennack and then on the Gwealdues estate in Helston, which Leslie built after forming a company with friends. They later moved to Leslie's family home at Gweek, where they still live.

Leslie went into partnership with his father - well-known Helston auctioneer and estate agent Jose Collins - and remained with the business until his retirement 25 years ago.

Over the years, he has been involved with numerous local organisations - chief among them the Flora Day Association. A former steward, he took over as chairman of the stewards from Edward Cunnack more than 30 years ago.

He was also chairman of governors at Helston School for many years and was involved with the town's Chamber of Commerce and the Fatstock Society.

Other roles Leslie has undertaken include chairman of the Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Area, chairman of the Trebah Gardens Trust and serving on the regional committee of the National Trust.

Jerry, 85, who brought up the couple's three children, has been involved with a number of local fundraising organisations, including the Friends of Helston Community Hospital. She was also a member of the local Inner Wheel club.

The couple, who have four grandchildren, celebrated their anniversary with family and friends at parties at Mawgan village hall and at Trebah Gardens.

Leslie said: "It has been a wonderful 50 years. We have been extraordinarily lucky, and lucky to have lived so long."