A couple who tripped the light fantastic into each other’s arms have just celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Clive and Hazel Jenkins married on June 28, 1952, at St Mary’s Church in Ewell, and held their wedding reception at the then Organ Inn Pub, on Kingston Road.

The 80-year-olds, who have lived in their house in Thorndon Gardens, Stoneleigh, for the last 50 years, were delighted to receive a card of congratulations from the Queen and marked the occasion with friends and family, including their children Stuart and Sarah Jenkins, at a party on July 1.

Clive, who moved to Stoneleigh from Battersea when he was six, and Ewell-born Hazel were 20 when they married - after catching each other’s eyes across the dance floor as teenagers at the Drill Hall in Ewell.

Ms Jenkins said: "They used to go dancing every week when they were young so they have known each other since they were 15.

"There were both quite good looking and my dad has always been a joker and teaser.

"He had taken a fancy to my mum and, when they first met, he asked her if she wanted to dance and, when she said yes, he said ‘I will go and find someone for you then’."

Ms Jenkins said the secret to their long marriage is that they are well-matched.

She said: "Their personalities are very compatible and they enjoy one another’s company and they really care for each other.

"At the party my mum was asked what it was like being married to my dad and she just said ‘marvellous’.

"They have had their problems, as my mum was poorly when I was younger and my dad has had two strokes. But they are quite independent and still enjoy going to dinner-dances.

"I have learnt from them to enjoy life to the full and to just have fun."