DESPITE a blazing row when they first met, a couple from East Challow are celebrating 60 years together.

Don and Iris Strange, nee Daniels, married on April 7, 1951, but at first it looked as if they would not even be friends.

Mr Strange, 80, said: “We met in a village hall dance in Blewbury in 1947.

“But we had a massive argument because I didn’t agree with who she was dancing with.

“She wouldn’t dance with a mate of mine but then danced with someone else.”

Despite this, Mr Strange said it was love at first sight, and the pair quickly repaired the damage.

Mr Strange started his working life on the railways in the days of steam, while his wife worked in admin. He said the success of their marriage was “tolerance”, adding: “Some of the youngsters don’t put up with things, but we were brought up to tolerate.”

They have three children, Robert, 53, Alyson, 51, and Sharon, 50. Their other child Daniel, died aged 51 after a stroke in 2003. He was 51.

They also have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Kai and Lilybelle.

Since their retirement the couple have been travelling the world on cruises, with a trip to the Caribbean a particular highlight.

To celebrate their Diamond Wedding they are visiting the Isles of Scilly and Dublin.

Picture: Marc West