A devoted couple have returned from hospital and are back together in time for their 68th wedding anniversary.

John and Beryl Etherington both had spells in hospital recently and were then discharged to Ascot House, a therapy-led care unit owned and run by Trafford Council.

Staff at the unit help adults with their recovery following a stay in hospital.

The couple’s children feared that John, 92 and Beryl, 93, might not be able to return home following their rehabilitation at Ascot House.

Following assessment, it was clear that they both met the criteria for 24-hour care, but the couple indicated that this was not an option they wanted to consider.

Taking their wishes and the outcome that mattered most to them into account, their social worker, Herman Sibindi, managed to find a live in carer, meaning the couple have been able to return to their family home in Timperley.

John and Beryl’s family have thanked staff and said the couple is very happy.

They will be celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary in June this year.

Coun Jo Harding, Trafford Council’s executive member for adult services, said: “This is so heartwarming. I’m delighted that John and Beryl can remain together in the comfort of their own home.

“My thanks go to Herman and the discharge to assess team for going the extra mile to enable John and Beryl to remain together.”