A couple on Portland are proving that even after 60 years, their marriage is still as solid as a rock.

Geoffrey and Thelma Stewkesbury are celebrating their diamond wedding on Thursday, February 1 after marrying in 1958.

Both their families had strong roots in the quarry industry in Portland, and after 60 years it is obvious that their love for one another was set in stone.

The year 1958 saw Nikita Khrushchev become the Premier of the Soviet Union, the first Trans Atlantic passenger jetliner service fly between London and New York on the new British Comet Jet, the air disaster for the Manchester United team in Munich, and the year that Pelé became a name household name after Brazil won the World Cup.

The pair met in 1957, as Geoffrey was painting the windows of Thelma Bussell’s house, and had seen her cleaning up outside.

Geoffrey said hello, and their relationship went from there.

Geoffrey was 28 and Thelma was 24 when they wed, with their ceremony taking place at the Methodist Church in Easton, Portland, and the reception held in the nearby Liberal Club.

Their honeymoon was in Jersey.

Geoffrey, now aged 88, and Thelma, 84, are parents to two sons and grandparents to five grandchildren.

The couple have lived in Portland for many years, originally on Avalanche Road, then on Channel View and now back in Weston.

Thelma said: “I come from Weston, and wanted to move back here.

“He didn’t like it, but I got my way.”

Having worked for Portland Council for 38 years, Geoffrey now volunteers at the Drill Hall in Portland, working in the archives and sharing his knowledge of Portland’s quarries to tourists and students.

Geoffrey has even made models of the machines used in the quarries, which have been sent to the London Stone Show.

He has also been creating dice from Portland rock, and giving them to various people and charities, including South Dorset MP Richard Drax.

Speaking about why he does it, he said: “That’s what keeps you young. You use your brain and you keep active all your life.”

Whilst Geoffrey is busy making things, Thelma amuses herself with knitting and sewing for charity, her latest work including knitting chicks for Easter.

When asked what the secret was to a happy marriage, Geoffrey said: “We have had our rows over the years.”

Thelma added: “It’s because I am dead opposite to you. Unless your opposites, it doesn’t always work.

“Your family are very outgoing, whereas mine are more reserved.”

Geoffrey added: “My parents were married for 71 years, so I have ten more years to go.”

The couple will be celebrating their anniversary with a card from the Queen, and with friends at the Drill Hall on the Saturday.