WHEN it comes to building a successful marriage, it helps if you can build your own house.

That’s what Hampshire builder Tony Taylor did for his wife Barbara, and they have lived there for the past 46 years.

The Taylor’s, who live in Tichborne Down, Alresford, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday (June 6) before having a party with family and friends tonight (June 7).

Semi-retired Tony, 83, said: “The secret to our marriage is give and take. She gives and I take! No I don’t really know the secret, but we get along well and talk about everything. We’ve always had a happy family and tried to bring our children up the way we were brought up.”

Barbara, 81, added: We have had our ups and downs like everyone else but its love that keeps us together. You couldn’t wish for anything more.”

Tony who runs building firm AW Taylor & Son, Alresford, with son Paul, 46, built his house in his spare time while maintaining his day job.

He said: “It took me 18 months of hard work over evenings and weekends. It was quite a project but it’s all been well worth it.”

The couple also have two daughters Jane, 59 and Wendy, 55, and five grandsons. They also fostered 14 children for the county council.

And they could even have a future England cricket star in the family as youngest grandson Bradley, 16, plays for Hampshire Cricket Club’s academy side as a spin bowler.