A BRIDGWATER couple are celebrating a wonderful milestone with their Diamond wedding anniversary.

Maurice and Shirley Rossiter met in January of 1966 at a dance in Devon and got married on July 6 1966.

Once they were married, Shirley and Maurice moved to Bridgwater and they have stayed in Somerset ever since.

Shirley said: "It all started when Maurice came and sat next to me at the dance and we got talking from there.

"I wouldn't say it was love at first sight but Maurice was a true gentleman and I liked him very much.

"After the dance, we were inseparable. we spent every day together and naturally we fell in love.

"We married in the July in Devon and we have had a lovely marriage which has been filled with happiness.

"Now I couldn't imagine spending the last sixty years of my life without Maurice, it has been lovely to have such a wonderful companion."

The couple have spent five decades together and have five children, 13 grandchildren and their 20th great grandchild is on the way.

Mrs Rossiter said she believes that the secret to a happy marriage is honesty.

"Maurice and I have always been honest with each other and I think that has really helped our marriage.

"Having children for us was our greatest achievement because now we have a really big family who we spend a lot of time with.

"Our family makes us feel so happy and loved and there is nothing more I could ask for.

"It is so lovely for us to reach 60 years and it will be lovely to celebrate it with our family and with a lovely meal at Blake Hall.

"We are both still very much in love and know we will be there for each other through anything."