A DIAMOND couple celebrating 60 years of marriage have shared the secret to their happiness.

Robert and Muriel Hussey, of Pymore near Bridport, first met on the dancefloor when Muriel was 16 and Robert was 19. They did not start dating straight away – but they never forgot each other.

Mrs Hussey (nee Andrews), 80, said: “I saw a very handsome man coming towards me and I was so nervous, I thought ‘I hope he doesn’t ask me to dance.’ He actually asked my sister to dance, which we laugh about.”

The couple were introduced properly a year later, thanks to Robert’s school friends.

Mr Hussey, 83, said: “They told me to come and meet this nice young lady who was working at Café Royal. I went in and bought a tea and said ‘would you like to go to the cinema with me?’”

“We started to go out regularly,” said Mrs Hussey. “Then he told me he remembered me from the dance. I didn’t believe him but then he told me he remembered my green dress.”

From there, the couple’s relationship blossomed, and eventually Mr Hussey asked his partner’s parents for their permission to get engaged.

They wed on March 15, 1958 at St Mary’s Church in Beaminster.

“The sun came out as we left the church,” said Mrs Hussey. “I still remember hearing the bells ringing.”

Mr Hussey added: “She looked very beautiful.”

The pair moved to a cottage in Symondsbury, where they lived for two years. Mr Hussey, who served in the army for five years, became employed as a senior executive with electrical store Curry’s and the couple had to relocate.

They went on to have three children and four grandchildren and say they are centred around family. They returned to the area and settled in Pymore in 1998.

“We have had great happiness,” said Mrs Hussey. “I instantly knew he was the love of my life and nothing has changed for me since we met at that dance. Honesty is important, as is remembering your marriage vows.”

“I did not believe my luck,” said Mr Hussey. “I think it was fate. I think the world of her and I think you do have to be honest and always be truthful.”