IT was love at first sight when young airman, Stan Smith met Elizabeth Duncan, at a wartime dance over 62 years ago.

Now enjoying retirement at Wootton Bassett, they are thrilled to be celebrating their diamond wedding today.

Stan recalls his first glimpse of his future wife at that dance

He said: "She came through the door and my mate said, "Is she real??

"I just couldn't resist her and we started courting, though initially she thought I was too old for her."

They were married in 1942 at Cairneymount, in Elizabeth's native Scotland, when she was 18.

Stan was then posted overseas on wartime service in the RAF. Elizabeth remained at her family home until Stan eventually returned from India in 1945.

Stan, 82, who attained the rank of warrant officer, had more than 20 postings, at home and overseas during his 30-year career in the RAF. He loved sailing, and skippered the transport command recreational yacht on several occasions.

Elizabeth, 78, remembers that after the cross-Channel trip he brought the crew of six home for her to feed.

They enjoy living at Wootton Bassett, within easy each of their son' family at Wroughton. They have three grandchildren aged four, 16 and 19.