FAMILY and friends gathered to mark a couple's diamond wedding anniversary.

Fred, 83, and Edna Schofield, 81, of Lifstan Way, Southend, threw a special party to celebrate 60 happy years together.

The party was held at the Naval and Military Club, in Royal Terrace, Southend, and friends and family gathered for a very memorable evening.

The couple met when they were both on holiday at Caister Holiday Camp in Norfolk.

Mr Schofield, who used to work for the Southend Standard in the 60s, said: "I knew within days that we would get married. It was love at first sight."

The couple tied the knot on March 2, 1957 on a warm, sunny day and have been happily married ever since.

Mr Schofield, who moved back to Southend in 1997 to retire, added: "The secret to a long and happy marriage? Talk straight to each other. Carry on living and get on with your day to day problems as best you can. Live for one another and our lovely family too."