A lifelong love affair was sparked when Irene Bowler asked Tony Pomroy for a cigarette in Oxford city centre more than 60 years ago.

Shortly afterwards, the couple married at Oxford register office in St Giles and they have just celebrated their diamond wedding with a family party at Rose Hill Community Centre.

Mr and Mrs Pomroy , of Ashurst Way, Rose Hill, first met outside the Electra cinema in Queen Street, where the-then Miss Bowler worked as an usherette.

Mr Pomroy, who worked as a lorry driver before he retired, said: “I was sitting on a wall outside Burton’s milk bar and Irene came up and asked me if I had a cigarette.

“We have always loved and supported each other over the years and really enjoyed ballroom dancing when we got the chance.”

Mr and Mrs Pomroy, 80 and 78, have nine children, 38 grandchildren, and 52 great-grandchildren.

Their nine children are Susan, 60, Linda, 59, Tony, 58, Rosalind, 57, Marie, 54, Lorraine, 49, Karen, 47, Denise, 43, and Kelvin, 41.

The couple, who are both originally from Oxford, first lived in Barton after they married and then lived in Dashwood Road, Rose Hill, before moving to Ashurst Way, where they have lived for the past 20 years.

Mrs Pomroy added: “It was hard bringing up nine children but it was worth it.

“We have had a grand life together.”

After their family celebration in Rose Hill on Saturday, Mr and Mrs Pomroy travelled to Weymouth in Dorset for a holiday.

Their son Tony said: “They got a card from the Queen congratulating them on their 60th wedding anniversary after I put in a request – they were chuffed to bits when they received it.”