A SHARED love of sport led to 60 years of marriage for a Clacton couple.

Betty and Ted Stranks, of Sudbourne Avenue, are celebrating their diamond anniversary after meeting at a football match.

The pair both worked in the offices of Betterwear brushes, in Romford.

Betty used to join other girls from the office watching their male colleagues playing football, and Betty and Ted chatted after a match.

She said: “He was very quiet actually, I was surprised he played football, and we just got talking.”

They were married at Attebower church, in Havering, on August 27, 1949.

Mr Stranks went on to work as a buyer at Ford, while Betty brought up their three children, Susan, Kathleen and Stephen at home.

The pair now have seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and sport has been a family passion, particularly badminton.

They moved to Clacton about 25 years ago, and Mrs Stranks coached badminton at the Clacton Leisure Centre for many years, while her husband has strung rackets for players throughout the district.

The family has produced numerous notable badminton players, including granddaughter Caroline, who is in the current England badminton squad.

Their diamond wedding falls on the day of the Clacton Air Show, so they will watch the planes before enjoying a quiet meal together.

Their main celebration with take place in September, with about 45 family and friends.