The turn of the century had a special meaning for one Shoebury couple - as it heralded the start of their 61st year together.

Lilian and Fred Elder celebrated their diamond anniversary with friends at their home in Herbert Road, and reminisced about their wedding on December 31, 1939. Soon after the ceremony Fred, now 82, had to return to his post in the infantry as a stretcher bearer.

While he was away Lilian did her bit for the war effort - by turning her hand to carpentry and becoming a member of the air raid patrol team. After the war Fred worked as a milkman and was a keen member of military bands, while Lilian, now 81, worked in a gentlemen's outfitters.

In the late 60s, the couple, who are both from north London, moved to Hadleigh, and ten years later moved to Shoebury.

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