A couple who are celebrating their diamond anniversary have said having shared interests is the secret to a successful marriage.

David and Betty Joscelyne of Harvey Close, Thorpe St Andrew, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday.

They met at church in Bishop's Stortford when they were teenagers.

'She was singing in the choir and I used to gaze at her,' Mr Joscelyne said.

The couple, who both worked as teachers, married during the Easter holidays and waited until the summer before they went on their honeymoon.

They travelled the continent staying in youth hostels in Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

They moved to Norwich in 1973 when Mr Joscelyne became the headteacher at Hellesdon High School. Mrs Joscelyne, who worked as a primary school teacher, gave up work in 1954 after the birth of their first daughter, Frances, who was born with severe learning difficulties.

Their daughter Carole was born two years later, Richard and Neil followed in 1959 and 1961 respectively.

Sadly Frances, who lived in Epsom, died from a bronchial infection in 2011 when she was just 56 years old.

'She had pneumonia several times,' Mr Joscelyne said. 'She was very much a part of our lives.'

The couple, who have five grandchildren, are both members of Helm Players where they are involved with construction and set design.

Mrs Joscelyne is involved with Thorpe Evening WI and Mr Joscelyne is the treasurer of Pilling Park Community Centre.

'I am lucky that people still find my skills useful,' Mr Joscelyne said.

The couple said they owed the success of their marriage to having both shared and individual hobbies and interests.

Mrs Joscelyne said: 'We have common interests and values and we are tolerant with each other.

'We can't say we have never had a cross word. We have had our cross words but that's about it. Marriage is about a partnership and being a team.'

This weekend, they will be joined by 70 friends and family for a celebratory meal at the Old Rectory in Crostwick.

Do you know a couple who are celebrating their diamond anniversary? Contact reporter Lucy Wright on 01603 772439 or email lucy.wright@archant.co.uk