A COUPLE are marking their 60th wedding anniversary after meeting at a film showing aged 21.

Derek and Doreen Argent, of St Marys Road, Burnham, met in Tillingham in 1955 and married a year later in St Leonards Church in Southminster.

The couple, both 82, lived with Doreen’s mother for two years before moving to their bungalow in Burnham, where they have lived ever since.

Mrs Argent said: “I used to go around with my dear friend Nina on our bikes from village to village. On one Monday evening in Tillingham they were showing films.

“We had to pay about ninepence to get in.

“When we came out to get our bikes, I saw this handsome young man come along and I said to Nina ‘I like the look of him’.”

Mr Argent, a photographer, offered to accompany Doreen home to Southminster despite living seven miles away in Bradwell. They were engaged and married a year later.

Mrs Argent added: “We were the first married couple of go on the diesel train from Southminster. We went up to Southend to my sister’s cottage.”

The couple, who met after Mr Argent returned from national service in Korea, went on to have son Steve and daughter Susan.

Mrs Argent, who worked as a shop assistant in Southminster before the birth of her children, said: “It has been wonderful. I can’t believe it and I can’t think where all the time has gone.”

Asked the secret to a long and happy marriage she said: “Just share your troubles with each other and never go to bed on an argument.”

The couple will celebrate their diamond anniversary today with a meal out with their family.