Reginald and Edith Sparkes, who were both born in Luddenden and attended Wainstalls School, received a card of congratulations from Buckingham Palace.

But it has been followed by an apology. Unfortunately, the Queen's staff made a mistake and spelled the couple's name incorrectly as Sparkles.

A Buckingham Palace spokes-man told the Courier he was sorry for the mistake and if the family returned the card a replacement would be issued.

"It is down to human error," he said.

Around 27,000 cards are sent on behalf of the Queen each year.

They are sent on 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries and then annually. Cards are also sent for 100th birthdays and annually from a person's 105th birthday.

Reginald and Edith didn't let a little human error spoil their happiness on their big day, which is known as a blue sapphire anniversary.

"I can't believe we have been married so long," said Edith, 84.

Reginald said: "I would do it all again. She's the only girlfriend I've had and I wouldn't swap her."

Edith quipped back: "I should hope not!"

Reginald, of Wadsworth Court, Pellon, Halifax, visits his wife weekly at Ingwood Nursing Home, Greetland, where she has lived for 12 months. A party at the home was held for friends and family and included three bridesmaids from 65 years ago who are Edith's younger sisters, Doris and Marjorie (both Mitchell), and the couple's niece, Marion Baldrock, of Jersey.

The couple married at Christ Church, Pellon, Halifax. Reg-inald served in the Royal Engineers and took part in the D-Day Normandy landings. He served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany and recently enjoyed a holiday in Bridlington with the Royal British Legion.

He worked as a textile overlooker at I and I Calverts Ltd, Wainstalls, and Joseph Horsfall, Pellon Lane, Halifax.

Edith was also a textile worker at Calverts and was a Girl Guide leader at Christ Church.

The couple's son, Geoffrey and his wife, Janet, of Greetland, celebrate their silver wedding anniversary next week.

Reginald and Edith also have four grandsons.