Golden Wedding celebrations for Bexhill couple

George and Kathleen met in 1956 while taking dancing lessons at a local ballroom, but had to wait three years before they could marry.

George said: "We met at Balham Court Ballrooms '“ the lessons cost two and sixpence each. We knew each other for three years before we were allowed to marry, as we had to wait until Kathleen was twenty one."

But their happy day was tinged with sadness as George's friend, Eddie Campbell, who was to be his Best Man, tragically died in a motor bike accident shortly before the wedding.

George sad: "It was a shock and very sad."

His sister's husband, George Jorden came to their rescue standing in as Best Man, and George and Kathleen were married at St James's church, Clapham Park Road, London on 28th March 1959.

Speaking of their long and happy marriage George said the secret is to forgive and forget.

He said: "We have a little argument occasionally '“ everybody does '“ but then all is forgotten and forgiven."

Kathleen, who was recently crowned Bexhill's Slimming World, Slimmer of the Year, said: "I've enjoyed every bit of it."