A couple celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary have credited ‘going through the ups and downs together’ for their long and happy marriage.

Brenda and Alan Hill, who live at Fairfield House in Lyme Regis and Charmouth respectively, marked the special occasion last week at the care home with family, enjoying a cake, drinks and buffet.

Brenda and Alan met at Redcatch Park in Bristol, when they were aged 17 and 18 respectively, and it was love at first sight. They got married in St Barnabas Church on January 30, 1960.

They lived in Withywood and Whitchurch in Bristol and Brenda worked at a printers completing admin duties before selling advertising at Tradeit, while Alan worked a as fireman on the railway and as a double glazing fitter.

They retired to Charmouth around 15 years ago, after living in Bridport for around four years, where they were a big part of the community and Brenda was very keen on gardening before moving to Fairfield House in Lyme Regis.

The couple say that the secret to a long and happy marriage is ‘talking to each other and going through the ups and downs together’.

They have three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.