A COUPLE who were brought together by a plane crash have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.Eileen and Don Hagger, who live at Church Farm, Hardley, met when she was a land girl and he, a farm worker.

A COUPLE who were brought together by a plane crash have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Eileen and Don Hagger, who live at Church Farm, Hardley, met when she was a land girl and he, a farm worker.

She was sent to work in Pampisford, Cambridgeshire, where she and her future husband met, but one Sunday afternoon in 1944 changed everything.

Don was sent down to the farm for milk and when the couple cycled home they witnessed parachutes landing and a bomber spiralling.

Despite reaching some shelter Eileen became caught in the crossfire and ended up with 'blast lung' leaving her with lifelong problems.

After the accident Eileen received her notice from work and moved to Steeple Morden, away from Don, who quickly realised he had to be with her.

Speaking at their diamond wedding celebrations Don said: “When Eileen had to go home, I didn't want to be there as much.”

Fate took a kind turn for the couple as he was offered a job at a farm in Heydon, Norfolk and the couple moved there together.

They were married in Eileen's home town of Felthorpe on February 10, 1945, on a cold winters day and later moved to Church Farm in 1948.

The couple have four children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Don, was still ploughing the fields at 80, while Eileen enjoys her garden and jigsaws.

Eileen said during their diamond year: “We have always been happy. We have always been on the farm together doing the same things so we appreciate and understand each other.”

They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at home with the family.