EVERY night for the past 60 years Harry and June Lightfoot have ended each day saying: “Night night, sleep tight, God bless, keep you always, love you”.

The Grove couple are celebrating their diamond wedding and will have the same rationed food at The Bear Hotel where they had their reception 60 years ago.

Along with 30 family and friends, they will eat tomato soup, hot and cold meats with new potatoes and salad, followed by apple pie and custard.

The couple met at a dance in 1947 while Harry, who is from Northumberland, was serving with the Royal Air Force in Grove.

They were married in Wantage Parish Church on September 1, 1951.

Mrs Lightfoot, whose maiden name was Maisey, said it was dancing which first attracted them to each other.

She said:“He was a good dancer. We both love dancing.”

The couple said it has been their bedtime ritual which kept their marriage strong. Mrs Lightfoot said: “We have said it every night. Never go to bed on an argument.”

Mr Lightfoot, who celebrated his 90th birthday in December, added: “I love her and always have done.”

After the air force Mr Lightfoot worked as a distribution engineer for Thames Water for more than 25 years.

Mrs Lightfoot joined Wantage Guides group as a child before later becoming an adult leader.

She also worked for Southern Electricity Board as a secretary and then later in Waitrose in Wantage.

The couple lived in Ham Road in Wantage for about 20 years before moving to Hardwell Close in Grove 20 years ago.

They have four children and seven grandchildren.

Mrs Lightfoot said: “It has just absolutely flown by. It has not seemed like 60 years.”