Wedding anniversaries are usually a time for a couple to celebrate the years they have spent together – but not for one avid Watford FC fan.

Due to his love of the Hornets, Alun James is putting his love for football above his own wife and is going to Wembley to see the team's FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on the day of his 40th wedding anniversary.

Mr James, 72, of Whitwell Road, Garston, has been watching the Golden Boys play for more than 60 years.

The duration of his support evidently outweighs the 40 years he has been married to his wife Pamela, who will be spending Sunday alone at home.

He admits his decision has cause some awkwardness in the domestic sphere.

He said: “It is a sore subject at the moment. She hates football.

“She is still smiling though but she is not very happy. I am sure she will be fine."

This is the first time since 2007 that Watford FC have made it to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and Mr James is determined not to miss the opportunity.

He said: “I have been supporting the Hornets since I was seven. I have been to every home game for years.

“Every time they have won a game I have been at the stadium cheering them on.”

According to their daughter, Kelly Shaw, her mother will be spending their wedding anniversary alone while her father is cheering on the Hornets.

She said: “I am going with my dad to Wembley with my three sons so my mum is going to be alone and my brother is also going to the game.

“She is really going to be on her own. She has been to about two games in her life and every time Watford have lost.

“Even if they asked her to be the mascot for the team we would say no because she isn’t good luck.

“We are all Watford crazy and we want to wish them the best of luck.”

Despite reaching six semi-finals, the last time the Hornets were in the final was in 1984, when they lost to Everton – also in with a chance of lifting silverware if they win their semi-final against Manchester United.

As a season ticket holder and an avid Watford FC supporter, Mr James was at the game when they got promoted to the Premier League in 2015 after beating Brighton.

Like many hopeful Hornet fans, Mr James is adamant the team will make it through to the finals.

He has also been to every home game the team has played at their ground in Vicarage Road, Watford.

He said: “I think we can do it. Good luck to the players. Give it to them boys.

"We are going to do it.”