The rollerskaters of Southend bring back romantic memories for a couple celebrating their golden wedding.

Chic Welch and her husband John remember how they met at Southend's Kursaal rollerskate arena more than 50 years ago.

Chic said: "I used to work with his brother and we went out in groups. Then one day he said his brother, John, was back from Army leave and would like to come along.

"He swept me off my feet at the Kursaal. We now have three daughters, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren and we're as happy with them as they are with us."

Chic, 70, and John, 72, celebrated their anniversary with a grand family get-together at their home Springfield Road, Wickford, but Chic insists there's no secret to their long marriage.

She said: "It's a mixture of things really. Happiness, fright, fear, sadness, laughter, joy - the lot. I can't stand these people who say 'give and take'.

"We just live the life given us. And when I see people rollerskating today, it reminds me of how we first met."

Memories - Chic and John Welch celebrate their golden wedding

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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