A PAIR of octogenarian Wantage sweethearts have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Grandparents Arthur Reed, 86, and Francis Jean Reed, 80, shared their 60th anniversary with family over a meal out last Thursday.

The East Challow couple – who have a son, a daughter and two grandchildren in their mid to late twenties – first met during a dance held at the Victoria Cross Gallery, Wantage, more than six decades ago.

Last week they received a card from Her Majesty the Queen congratulating them on their landmark day.

Francis, a retired canteen worker, said jokingly of Arthur – a trainee jockey when they met: “I wonder how we’ve got here sometimes.”

Adding that the pair’s relationship was still the same as it always was, she continued: "We’ve always got on well.

"We’ve had a good life and lots of holidays."

Her husband – who was also a milkman and lorry driver and served in the army – said: "The secret is we are both in charge.

"It’s all about give and take."