A COUPLE celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in style when a chauffeur in a stretch limo collected them from their home for a night on the town. To mark their 60 years together, John and Elsie Edmunds, of the Dell in Stevenage, were taken to Lond

A COUPLE celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in style when a chauffeur in a stretch limo collected them from their home for a night on the town.

To mark their 60 years together, John and Elsie Edmunds, of the Dell in Stevenage, were taken to London's West End to see Mary Poppins before returning for a meal in Wymondley.

Organised by the couple's son, Rick, and daughter-in-law, Karen, Mr Edmunds said:

"The whole thing was marvellous.

"There were silver balloons on the table in the restaurant and we were presented with a bouquet of carnations because that's what my wife held on our wedding day."

Mrs Edmunds added: "It was really great. It's something we won't ever forget."

The couple, who moved to Stevenage in 1952, have two grandchildren, John, 12, and Emma, 13, and were married in a church in Islington on October 5, 1946.

Mr Edmunds, who was a bricklayer for most of his working life, said: "We met just after the war but I was still in the forces at the time.

"We met through my brother and I started taking her out."

When asked the secret of their success, Mr Edmunds said: "Before we got married, the vicar told me to never stop courting. And we haven't.

"We still love each other's company and I do all I can for her."

Mrs Edmunds, who made artists' brushes for a living, added: "Everybody has their ups and downs but we get on just fine.