Mr and Mrs Birch celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on September 13.

The couple met during World War 2, where Joan served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and Maurice served in the Royal Air Force.

They married in 1944 and have one son and two grandchildren, all living in Melbourne suburbs.

Mr and Mrs Birch migrated to Australia from England in 1990 as their son was living in Sale and working for Esso.

Mr Birch said they had been to Australia three times before.

The first time they spent 10 days travelling through each state, then they visited again, touring the country on the rail network and later travelled extensively through Victoria and New South Wales.

Mr Birch joked he and his wife thought Australians were `not a bad lot', so they decided to relocate.

Mrs Birch said they had enjoyed their lives in Sale ever since.

When asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, Mr Birch laughed and said ``learning to say `yes dear'.''

Mr and Mrs Birch will officially celebrate their anniversary by taking a 28-day ocean cruise around Australia later in the year.

During their trip, Mr Birch will also celebrate his 90th birthday.