A KIDDERMINSTER couple have celebrated their 100th birthdays within a week of each other.

Sydney and Amy Hicks, nee Brown, reached their centenary milestones last week on July 28 and August 2 respectively.

They marked the occasions with two parties during the week, one for each side of their family.

Mr Hicks, born in Selly Oak, and Mrs Hicks, from Aston, first met in the 1930s while attending a dance at the Albert Hall in Birmingham.

The couple later married on May 4, 1940 and have two children, Pamela and Colin, one grandson, Nigel, and a great-grandson, Daniel.

Mr Hicks worked as a postman for the Austin Motor Company in Longbridge before becoming a track worker during the Second World War.

He has kept active throughout his life, joining a boxing club when he was younger and regularly swam until having to stop two years ago due to his declining health.

After Mrs Hicks left school she worked as an usherette in a cinema in Hockley before leaving to join Newey Brothers in Aston to work on the sewing machines. She spent her free time as a member of St John Ambulance.

The couple moved to Wyre Forest from Birmingham almost 30 years ago, during their retirement.

Pamela Ord, their daughter, said: “They were an active pair, especially dad, who used to do a number of weekly activities.

“He went swimming regularly until a few years ago, when he had to give them up due to his health.

“They still have things they love doing - mum plays the organ and piano by ear, as she’s never had a lesson and dad is fanatical about Aston Villa.”

The couple, who held their birthday celebrations at their home in Franche Road, Kidderminster, also received celebratory birthday cards with a message from the Queen.