A Dorchester couple who met through their shared love of dance are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today.

Maurice and Pamela Brake found love after meeting at an old-time dance in the town’s Corn Exchange and married at St Peter’s Church in 1951.

The couple spent all their married lives in Dorchester and carried on dancing together for more than 50 years.

Maurice, 85, was born and bred in the county town and spent 31 years at New Auto Factors wholesalers, where he worked his way up from errand boy to general manager, before spending the last years of his working life as caretaker at Manor Park First School.

Pamela, 83, moved to Dorchester from West Lulworth during the Second World War and was working at her parents’ corner shop when she met her future husband.

The couple have one son, Graham, and three grandchildren – David, Helen and Briony.

They plan to spend their special day with family and say the secret to their six decades of marital bliss is appreciating what they have.

Pamela said: “We have never been ones to waste any time arguing or quarrelling, we are just satisfied with our lot.”

Maurice said that the couple’s shared interest in dance was the main thing they had in common.

He said: “Dancing was our main thing really, it was just something we could do together.”

The couple also enjoy spoiling their grandchildren whenever they get the chance.

Pamela said: “We’ve got three lovely grandchildren and they are all a bit special.”

Maurice, who also enjoys indoor bowls, said he has been perfectly happy living in Dorchester his whole life.

He said: “I’ve never been anywhere else really, I’ve never even been to London.

“We just like it and I don’t think anyone can grumble about anything in Dorchester.”