Leon and Marion Charman hope to celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary in grand style by affirming their vows along with hundreds of others throughout the UK on Saturday, February 8.

The couple, who live at Slade Cross, Pembroke, have been instrumental in encouraging local churches to participate in The Big Promise.

"Every year, Marriage Week UK celebrates the promises that couples have made down the years," said Pastor Rob James. "It seeks to do all it can to support those who have discovered the blessings that flow from committed, loving relationships, and this year it has challenged couples to take advantage of the opportunity to affirm their promises to each other together with hundreds of others throughout the United Kingdom.

"Indeed, some venues are co-ordinating their services in the hope that they can set a new Guinness World Record. This will not be the case in Pembroke because we want to send a clear and unambiguous message to our government and our society that traditional marriages have always been the foundation of a healthy and flourishing society."

The world record for couples affirming their vows already exists - set in Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA, in 2009, it stands at 1,087 couples.

The 'Big Promise' Pembroke, will take place at St. Mary's Church, on February 8, at 5.15 pm, and anyone wanting more information or intending to participate should contact Leon and Marion Charman on 01646 684477.

The affirmation service will be conducted by the Vicar, Rev. Roger Jones, who observed: "This is a wonderful opportunity for us as churches in the area to invite people to affirm their vows, but in addition to this it is a chance to affirm our commitment to marriage as understood by the Christian church worldwide. And so it's an opportunity for individuals and churches to affirm their witness in a Christian setting."

An enthusiastic Leon Charman added: "It is also a chance to celebrate with others our married life - through both tough and wonderful times. The Bible tells us that a good wife is like a crown for her husband. I appreciate my crown and want to show it."