ONE of the last couples to marry at Harwich Registry Office have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Rose and Albert Mulder, of Little Oakley, were married on September 18 1954 – the same day the registry office closed.

The couple have now celebrated 60 years together.

Rose, 78, met Dutchman Albert, in November 1953. He was working on the boats which came into port in Parkeston.

She said: “I was with a friend in Parkeston and he came off one of the boats and said to his friend he fancied me.

“When I saw him in town later he said again to his mate and his mate came across.

“His hair was smoothed back – he looked like Hitler – and I said if he alters his hair I might go out with him. From then on it was wonderful.”

The couple were married ten months later.