THEY say the most successful relationships are built on strong foundations – and that’s something Reg and June Taylor know all about.

The couple, of Osmington Mills, near Weymouth, are celebrating their diamond anniversary.

They are hosting a party for friends and family in the home they built themselves.

Bubbly June, aged 78, said: “We’re all going to have a good sing-song. I tell you the villagers will be reaching for their ear plugs!”

She met Reg in Bridport in 1947 – two years later they married at the town’s St Mary’s Church.

Recalling that first meeting, June said: “I was sweet 16 and going on a date with someone else when five of them pulled up in a car next to me and asked where the nearest pub was. I thought they were a right bunch of scallywags.”

Reg, 82, worked for family building firm W G Taylor and Sons – the company that constructed Weymouth’s municipal building and the county library.

One of his proudest jobs was when he teamed up with June to build their Osmington Mills bungalow in 1975/6.

Daughter Janice, son-in-law Neil, and two granddaughters Hannah, aged 27, and Camilla, 24, were due to attend the party with other family members and friends.

June said: “I guess the key to a long marriage is don’t bottle things up. If you’re going to have a good row, make up later.”