A wedding anniversary brought together long-lost relatives who were reunited through the Evening Echo.
Jean, 69, and Harold Swindell, 74, of Hawksway, Vange, have lived in and around Basildon for 43 years.
Getting to know you again - Harold and Jean Swindwell, third and fourth from left, with Charlie Walker, Emily Thurle, Bobby Walker, Chris Walker and Esther Cutting Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Three years ago, Jean spotted a letter in the Evening Echo from a woman searching for her twin brother.
The woman turned out to be her cousin Emily Thurle and the man Emily's brother Charlie Walker.
After making contact with them - and the twins' brother Bobby - the three held an emotional reunion as Jean and Harold celebrated 50 years of marriage.
A service was held for more than 100 friends and relatives at Trinity Methodist Church, in Clay Hill Road, Vange, before everybody headed to the couple's home for a party.
The pair met during World War Two at an East London youth club and have been together ever since.
Speaking about the secret of a happy marriage, Jean said: "We have had our faith and our love for each other that has kept us together for the past 50 years."
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2003
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