A WOTTON under Edge couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a bit of a do.

Sylvia and Bob Lawrence invited family and friends to join them for an afternoon tea of sandwiches and scones at their home on Saturday, to mark 60 happy years together.

The pair made a special request instead of asking for presents.

They asked for donations to Longfield Hospice.

Sylvia and Bob first met in Fishponds, Bristol in 1958.

Sylvia remembers Bob had been in the navy and was very smartly dressed.

Bob asked her out and on their first date they went for a walk.

“We went for a long walk, several miles, around the Fishponds and Staple Hill area,” said Sylvia.

They found they had lots to talk about and enjoyed each other’s company.

Six months later they were engaged and then they got married in September 1959.

Two children followed: Debra and Stuart.

Bob worked as a transport driver and when the children were older Sylvia took a job at Tescos.

Sylvia said that Bob has always liked sports, and enjoys playing golf these days, whereas she is more of a ‘home-bird’ and likes pottering around in the house.

When asked what the secret is to a long and happy marriage, Sylvia said ‘give and take’ is important.

Sylvia and Bob moved to Wotton, from Berkeley, in January, where they are living happily in retirement and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren: Jodie, Holly, Brandon, Harvey and Troy, and great-grandchildren: Jed, Cruz,Willow, Chayse and Parker.