A COUPLE who had a 'whirlwind romance in 1961 have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.
John and Carmel Dean celebrated their landmark 60th wedding anniversary in Weymouth, the town where they met and fell in love.
John first set eyes on his future wife in 1961 while he was working in Weymouth on a boat named My Girl. Carmel, aged 17 at the time, had travelled to the town from her Irish homeland and their chance meeting quickly blossomed into a romance which saw them married at St Augustine's Church just four months after they first met.
John, the youngest of four children, was born in Weymouth and grew up in the town. His father was a captain on a ship in the Royal Navy which gave him a lifelong love of the sea.
During his working life, John, 79, ran a fishing boat and pleasure trip boat, as well as doing several other jobs, including working as a porter at Dorset County Hospital and delivering coal and milk. John also has a love of football and, as well as supporting Leeds United, is an avid fan of Weymouth F.C. and used to go to watch games whenever possible.
After moving to Weymouth from Ireland aged 17, Carmel, now 77, had various jobs, including running a bed and breakfast, owning and running a post office and helping John on his fishing boat.
The pair also shared a passion for travel, and visited far afield places such as the Caribbean, Florida and Egypt.
The couple, who have five daughters, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, celebrated their anniversary at Queen Charlotte Nursing Home in Chickerell, where John lives. One of their daughters, joined them for a celebratory meal.
A spokesman for the home said: "Following a full and active life involving travel to all parts of the world, John and Carmel Dean fittingly celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in Weymouth, the town where they have always lived.
"For their landmark anniversary, the couple were joined by their daughter Luana Murphy for a celebration meal at the care home - a roast lunch at the request of John."
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