DASHING Ron stole Betty's heart six decades ago, now the happy couple have celebrated a new milestone together.

Ron, 82, and Betty Wilks, 81, tied the knot in 1949 at St Michael’s Church, Braintree, after meeting in their late teens.

Mrs Wilks, who is the longest serving member of the St Michael’s Church Ladies Group, said: “He was very attractive.

“Our wedding day was a beautiful day. When we came out of the church, the bells were ringing and I didn’t even notice them.

“It’s quite an achievement to reach our diamond wedding anniversary.

“The births of our children have been the highlights of our married life.”

The couple got to know each other while Mrs Wilks was a member of the Braintree Young Women’s Christian Association.

At the time, Mr Wilks had been a corporal in the ammunition disposal unit, stationed in Scotland, and Betty worked at Courtaulds, in Braintree.

The couple, of Kenworthy Road, Braintree, honeymooned in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex.

They have two sons, Brian, 51, and Keith, 54.

Mr Wilks, who became a toolmaker for Marconi, in Chelmsford, and his wife celebrated with family and friends at the Blue Strawberry Bistro, in Hatfield Peverel.