A care home in Portishead has surprised two of its residents by naming a newly refurbished communal area in their honour to mark their 80th wedding anniversary this month.

Ray Booth, aged 102, and his wife Win, 101, were presented with the tribute at Bupa Norewood Lodge Care Home in recognition of their long-standing devotion.

The pair commemorated their milestone with a cream tea prepared by staff, which included cucumber sandwiches following a specific request from the couple.

Joining them for the afternoon festivities were fellow residents, care staff, their daughter Caroline, and Councillor Paul Gardner, Chair of the Portishead Town Council.

The care home's Chef, Nick Thick, crafted a two-tier replica of their original wedding cake adorned with red roses and white icing, while a pianist performed a selection of their favourite songs.

Bunting, fairy lights, and cards decorated the room, alongside 80 balloons and a certificate donated by the local Help for Heroes team.

The main event saw Ray and Win cut a ceremonial ribbon to officially unveil the new 'Winray Lounge'.

The renovated space has been designed to provide a bright, welcoming atmosphere, featuring a small kitchenette, a coffee machine, a new TV, and double doors to allow better wheelchair access for residents and guests.

An oak plaque bearing the name 'Winray Lounge' is now on permanent display, with Ray commenting: “We’re very flattered to have the lounge named after us.”

He went onto joke: “Be warned - we may be putting a collection box at the door and charging an entrance fee for those wanting to use the space!”

Ray and Win's romance began during the Second World War in the most unexpected way. Ray was serving in the RAF and stationed in Canada, where he met Win's brother, Austin. Through this connection, Ray and Win became pen pals and later sweethearts, exchanging letters across the Atlantic until they finally met and married in August 1946. They went on to have a daughter, Caroline and now have a granddaughter, Jenny.

Recollecting when they first met, the couple reminisce fondly about their initial impression of one another, with Win saying: "I thought cor, isn't he tall!" while Ray thought: "Isn't she lovely."

Ray adds: "I knew she was the one for me when we had a formal tea with Win's parents, but it was too formal for me, so I threw a handful of jelly at Win! Win's parents thought 'oh no' and Win threw some back at me. They could see we were well suited!"

The couple moved to Clevedon in 1961, where they discovered a shared passion for the performing arts. Ray and Win became active members of both Clevedon Opera Club and The Gilbert & Sullivan Society, with Ray serving as chairman of both organisations. Their involvement in these societies brought them great joy and created cherished memories spanning decades.

When asked to share their secrets for a long and happy marriage, Win offered a simple yet profound answer: "Love." Ray, displaying his characteristic humour, quipped that he simply "does as he's told."

Pamela Arnsmeyer, Home Manager at Bupa Norewood Lodge, commented: "Ray and Win's love story is truly inspiring.

“Since they moved into Norewood Lodge a couple of years ago, it has been wonderful to witness their devotion to one another; they've built such an incredible life together across eight decades.

“We feel privileged to care for them and to have celebrated this extraordinary milestone with them, and naming our new lounge after them is a fitting gesture to remember such a special couple. Congratulations to you both."