A Sawtry couple who met trying to stay out of the rain have celebrated their 60th anniversary by reminiscing about times gone by.

George and Jean Bonsall, both 83, of Tinkers Lane, Sawtry, first gazed upon one another in the doorway of the local village shop.

Former land worker George said: “Everybody used to stand underneath there – there was always a lot of us.”

The pair then went onto to have a big white wedding with family and friends in the village.

“It was really lovely and happy day and the sun was shining which made it even better,” added George.

As a firefighter George used to be called away at night a lot of the time to the dismay of Jean.

“I think she liked that I was a firefighter but she definitely didn’t like when I was called in the middle of the night.”

George and retired Hotpoint factory worker Jean then went onto have one son and have been in each other’s company ever since.

When asked about the secret to their long marriage, the couple said: “We have had our ups and downs but then you get over it. And we have both worked hard; if you don’t work hard then it just disappears.”

To celebrate their diamond milestone the pair were showered in cards, enjoyed a slice of cake and were thrilled to receive a card from the Queen.