A WEYMOUTH couple are still dancing the waltz together after 50 happy years of marriage.

Carl and Margaret Robertson of Portland Road, celebrated their golden anniversary and Mrs Robertson describes the occasion as 'an important stepping stone' for them.

Mr Robertson, a retired naval helicopter aircrew man, was on a fleeting visit to Weymouth in 1955 with the navy when he met 19-year-old Margaret at a ballroom dance at the Royal Arcade.

Mrs Robertson said: "Carl looked so handsome that he just stood out from the crowd."

For the next two years navy commitments meant that the couple scarcely saw each other.

Mr Robertson said: "Most of our courting was made by letter in those days, but whenever we could we would travel to see each other and then I came home two years later and married Margaret."

Mr Robertson's family had emigrated from India when he was 13 and he had grown up in Lancashire, and Mrs Robertson grew up in Swindon but moved to Weymouth with her parents at 17.

They have lived in Weymouth ever since and in 50 years the couple have moved house 10 times and had two children together.

Mrs Robertson said: "One of my greatest achievements was that I was the first ever special police officer in Dorset in 1956 and I served until I had my children."

She added: "When we were married in 1957 mixed race marriages weren't very common.

"After our wedding a photo was put up in the shop window where I worked and two ladies came by and told me that mixed marriages won't ever last.

"I'm here to prove it does work and it has been such a happy life together."

The couple still attend ballroom dancing events regularly and say that it is an achievement to still be dancing after 50 years.

Mr Robertson added: "The secret to a successful marriage is to consider each other and if you have a disagreement kiss and make up as soon as possible."