A Rochford couple have received congratulations from the Queen in recognition of their 60 years of marriage.

Douglas and Matilda Conway, both 81, met as he visited his mother on leave from the Navy during the war. Mrs Conway was at the house and from that day on they remained an item.

Mr Conway said: "I invited her out and she was the only girl I'd had and she's still the only one I ever wanted."

They married at a register office in their home town of Southend, while he continued to serve in the armed forces. The couple, of Ashingdon Road, have two sons.

One is living in Australia and another in Lincoln. They have three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren living down under, from whom they get regular video updates.

Happy - Matilda Conway gets a special anniversary kiss from husband Douglas

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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