SHIRLEY and Ronald Burgess of Farnham celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with friends and family in a blessing at St. Peter’s Church in Ash, where they were married 60 years ago.

Ronald, 79, was an infantry solider during World War II, while Shirley, 80, worked at Timothy Whites -a chemist and houseware store - where the pair first set eyes on one another.

The radiant couple, whose favourite pastime was bowling clocking up 28 years at Brightwells and Underwood Bowling Club, are proud to note that they have four grandchildren Lucy, Alex, Daniel and Steven and two great-grandchildren, Max and Violet.

“Dad says he would go back 1,000 times and marry my mum he wouldn’t choose anyone else,” said daughter Sandra.

“The day they got married my dad was posted out for two years, so they never had a honeymoon but they have made up for it since by going on holiday every year.

“Dad buys mum a dozen carnations every single year on their anniversary, he has never missed one yet. They are still just as happy as they’ve always been.”