DIAMOND couple Eric and Doris Sherwood from Dorchester had a sparkling time celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

They returned to the same hotel on the Isle of Wight where they spent their honeymoon in 1948.

Eric, 86, and Doris, 83, were received at the Bourne Hall Country House Hotel, Shanklin and were given a tour of the hotel.

They were joined at the hotel for a celebration lunch with a champagne toast by their three daughters and their husbands and three of their five grandchildren.

Originally both from Reading, Eric and Doris met in 1943 when Doris was called up for war work. She had to leave her job in a jeweller's shop to make parts in an aircraft factory and Eric already worked there in the toolroom.

They married at Christ Church in Reading and moved to Dorset in 1960 when Eric became employed at the Atomic Energy Establishment at Winfrith.

Eric and Doris were thrilled to receive an anniversary congratulations card from the Queen.

Eric, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1971, said that the secret of a long and successful marriage was being tolerant and able to do most of the household chores - oh, and lots of fishing trips'.