Former bridesmaids toast diamond couple

John and Betty White-Howles from Uckfield celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on May 1 with a party for extended family and friends two days later.

The party for 34 people was hosted by daughter Pauline Carless at her home in Halland.

Two of John and Betty's three bridesmaids attended including one in her eighties who drove from Basingstoke in her own car.

The couple were honoured with a Papal blessing from Pope Benedict and received a card from the Queen.

Betty was born in Finchley, North London and John in Bexhill.

The couple met through Betty's brother who was at Finchley Grammar School next door to Betty who attended the Catholic convent school next door.

Although Betty, who worked as a hairdresser moved away from the area John was keen to stay in touch and the couple finally married on May 1, 1948 after John finished wartime service with RAF aircrew.

The couple had five children and now have eight grandchildren.

Their daughter Pauline Carless said: 'Mum was a full-time mum and did a wonderful job while dad worked hard as a commercial sales manager before retiring to Uckfield.'

The Papal blessing was obtained by another daughter who had also arranged for one to be received on Betty and John's 25th wedding anniversary.