A couple are going to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary this week with memories of their 1955 ceremony still fresh in their minds.

Leslie and Dorothy Cloke, 83 and 88 respectively, have both lived in High Wycombe since birth and are looking forward to the visit of family from across the country for their special celebration on Thursday.

Mr Cloke, a retired till maker, said he can still remember the ceremony from all of those years ago and can even recall the first time they met – during a Saturday night dance at the town hall.

He said: “We have got many happy memories from the last 60 years; we have seen a lot of the world and have always enjoyed each other’s company.

“We have a few nephews and nieces who will be coming down to celebrate the anniversary next week and we are both really looking forward to that.”

When asked what the secret to a long-lasting happy marriage was, the husband of 60 years jokingly answered “tolerance”, but added that making sure they always laughed and had fun was key.

About two years after they first met at the town hall, the pair were married and in the last few weeks Mr Cloke has been looking over reminders of their big day.

In particular, Mr Cloke looked at the drinks bill which included the cost of a pint of beer as seven and a half pence while two bottles of scotch came to three pound, 10 shillings.

He said: “Funnily enough I was looking at the old bar bill from the wedding ceremony and although we haven’t changed too much, the cost certainly has.

“After we got married we went on honeymoon to Charing Cross Hotel for just three pound and six pence and we flew to Jersey in a Dakota.”