A Bridport couple are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today. 

Joan and Brian Cox, both aged 90, tied the knot 60 years ago today (November 24, 1962) at Dartford Registry Office in Kent near to where they met before they moved to Bridport in the late 90s.

Joan had two children, a son and a daughter, when she met Brian and together they went on to have another daughter. 

Brian spent much of his working career in the Navy before he joined the railway service while Joan spent a lot of her working life in the child welfare sector.

"We first came here in 1992 when I took early retirement from the British Rail." Brian began.

"We were down here in late October time staying with my stepson.

"We came across an estate agent and I jokingly said 'what is the cheapest property you've got?' He said you 'wouldn't want that you look like you want a cottage with roses round the door'. 

"I said yeah but tell me what the cheapest one is!

"We then went and saw a house and thought 'it's not a bad idea and it's a good place!'. 

"We bought the property in 1992 and didn't move in properly until 1998."

The pair have stayed in Bridport ever since, and got all the family together to celebrate the anniversary over the weekend by having a gathering at the Red Lion pub in Beaminster with quiet celebrations planned for today, the big day itself.

When asked what the secret to a long and successful marriage was, Brian said:  "I think the answer to that question is that we are a couple who have a lot of tolerance for each other. 

"We have always had a lot of support from family and friends. 

"We are both so grateful for that support."

The couple also received a card from King Charles and Camilla Queen Consort, congratulating them on their achievement, albeit two days ahead of schedule. 

The prized possession, fronted by a picture of the royal couple reads: "My wife and I are so pleased to hear that you have celebrated your diamond wedding anniversary on the 24th of November. 

"Please enjoy our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on this happy occasion."

If you would like to see your diamond anniversary celebrated in The Bridport and Lyme Regis news contact us at news@bridportnews.co.uk