DEVOTED childhood sweethearts who tied the knot 60 years ago will be celebrating their diamond anniversary.

Marion and Brian Pardoe met in 1954 at the age of 15, when they both worked at an optician factory in Tottenham, London.

The couple, who now live in Bruges Close, Dovercourt, used to own a caravan at Dovercourt Holiday Park, in Low Road, Dovercourt for 30 years when living in Hertfordshire.

They said they loved this area so much that when they retired in 2002, they moved to Harwich.

Marion, 80 and Brian, 81, will be celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary in lockdown on Thursday, June 18.

Michelle Stacey, 51, their youngest child, of West Street, Harwich said their love story started out a little bumpy as her father did not have the courage to ask her mum out, so his friend had to ask her.

She said: “However, after they started courting my dad travelled far by foot and bus to see mum even if he had to be home by 9.30pm every night.

“After six years of dating my dad got permission to marry mum, as she wanted to be married before she turned 21, so on June 18, 1960 they got married.”

Mrs Stacey said since living here her parents have been to clubs for ballroom dancing and met with some lovely new friends from these groups.

She added: “Their life has had its up and downs like most with some heartbreak throughout, however their life and love for each other is strong and true.

“We have only seen each other from a distance when I have dropped shopping off to their door.

“It is a very challenging time at the moment and unfortunately we are unable to get all the family together to celebrate their big 60th diamond anniversary.

“However, we'd like to say congratulations to you both it's a big achievement to reach 60 years of marriage in a 66-year relationship, the family are so very proud of you both. We love you so much.

“We look forward to celebrating in person when this lockdown in over.”

The pensioners are blessed with three children Andrew Pardoe, 58, Tracey who would have been 56, but died at the age of 32, and Michelle Stacey.

The family has grown with seven grandchildren including James Pardoe aged 31, Laura Pudney aged 31, Katie Southwold, 26, Jack Stacey aged 23, Spencer Stacey aged 18, Thomas Stacey aged 15 and Amber-Louise Stacey aged 13.

They also have a great granddaughter Ophelia Pudney aged 3 and they are looking forward to their second great grandchild due in August.