EXCELLENT cooking, laughter and shared interests are the secrets behind one couple being together for 60 years.

Pamela and Eric Bird, from Charminster, will be celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary on Saturday, surrounded by their friends and family, including their four sons, Eric, Richard, Danny and Kevin.

Eric had been working repairing shoes in Dorchester when he met his future wife.

He said he walked past a group of ladies including Pamela and her mother, who mistook him for someone who worked with a friend of theirs.

He explained it was a case of mistaken identity and walked down the road to his car.

He said: “I turned round and Pam was looking at me so I beckoned her over.”

The pair talked about where Pamela lived in Puddletown and Eric asked if he could come and see her.

He said at first she said no but he was persistent.

So he went to see her and he said: “That was it.”

The couple were married just over a year later at Weymouth Register Office.

Eric said: “Pamela’s been cooking me excellent meals since we met and that’s why I’ve got to 88.”

He added: “We’re always having a laugh and being happy.

“We take nothing for granted.”

Pamela said she really enjoyed cooking for him, adding: “We’re always together really.”