IRIS and Gerald Tripp are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today after being married for 60 years.

The couple, who have known each other since childhood, married on June 2, 1956, in Newquay where they grew up.

“We knew each other from about ten-years-old, our families were close but then we drifted apart and met again when we were teenagers,” said Mr Tripp, 81, who worked as an engine-fitter for the RAF.

“I joined the RAF and visited her when I was on leave.

“When I came out of training for the RAF I was posted at Lyneham and was there for three years before moving to Cornwall.”

Over the next 10 years the couple moved around the country as Mr Tripp was stationed to different bases, including countries such as Ireland, Germany and Bahrain.

“Our first accommodation was in Swindon, a bedsit with an elderly couple,” said Mr Tripp.

“We applied for a council house in Chippenham later because they were building the new estate so I got one of those pretty quick.

“We didn’t like it at all we just wanted a little house to settle down and we’ve lived here, on Audley Road, since.”

They have three children together, Ann, who was born in 1958, Peter, born 1962, and Nigel who was born in 1964.

They also have seven grandchildren, Steven, 28, Aimee, 24, Samantha, 23, Dominic, 20, Jemma, 21, Robbie, 18, and Archie aged seven.

“That’s the main thing, having the family close and we’re taking them out for lunch on the Sunday,” added Mr Tripp.

“I don’t really have hobbies, the family is my hobby,” said Mrs Tripp, who worked as a carer at Hungerford Care Home for 20 years.

“I just feel we’re lucky to be together after all this time.”