A COUPLE who married 60 years ago today are celebrating their diamond anniversary in Weymouth.

Len and Pamela Smith, of Dorchester Road,Weymouth, met at a dance in 1942 when Pamela worked as a children's nurse and Len as an apprentice motor mechanic.

In 1943 Len joined the RAF as aircrew, and served in North Africa and the Far East for three years, while Pamela worked in Tilley's factory at Weymouth producing Spitfire wing tips.

They married on November 29, 1947 at Corfe Castle Church and set up home in Upwey. Pamela gave birth to a daughter, Veronica, in 1948 followed by a son, Graham, in 1950.

Len left the motor trade to join Elliott Bros as a fitter, and later joined the UKAEA nuclear energy site in Winfrith as a development technician. He retired after 30 years' service. During these years the couple lived at Bovington,Wareham and Ferndown before finally returning to Broadwey where they first met.

Daughter Veronica lives in Broadmayne with her husband Alan, and their children Colin and Janette also live locally. Graham now lives in Perth, Australia with his wife Gina and their four children Daniel, Chelsea, Jessica and Adam - and all have come over for a week to visit the diamond pair. The couple will be celebrating this event at the Riverside Inn with all family members.