Love at first sight is still as strong as ever after more than 60 years as Ivor and Jean Moxham of Worton, near Devizes, celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.

Mr Moxham, 84, of Sandleaze, Worton, says he was smitten the first time he clapped eyes on his future wife but had to wait until they met at a dance before they became properly acquainted.

Mrs Moxham said: “I remember seeing him riding past on his bike in the evening and then I would see him sat on the gate with his dog, but I never thought more about him.”

Then they met at a dance at the Wheatsheaf in West Lavington when Mrs Moxham was 18 and Mr Moxham 22. The couple never looked back and were married at Christ Church, Worton, on November 4 1950 by the then vicar, the Rev Stanley Harper.

Mr Moxham was born in West End, Potterne, and went to Worton Primary School. He served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War as a rear gunner in Bomber Command.

He saw service in France, North Africa, Sudan and Egypt and was demobbed after returning from Palestine in 1948. He then worked in the building industry until retirement.

He was a member of Worton Parish Council for 42 years and was the church caretaker, digging graves and cutting the grass, for 46 years.

He also helped organise the village flower show for 13 years.

Mrs Moxham worked at the jam factory in Easterton before being recruited into the Women’s Land Army. After the war she worked in the laundry at Roundway Hospital for 16 years.

The couple have three children, Sandra, Francine and Trevor.

Mrs Moxham revealed that the secret to a long and happy marriage lies in the heart. She said: “Work together, look after each other and be kind to one another.”

Their daughter Francine Smith, who also lives in Worton, said her parents’ example had stood her well in her own marriage. She said: “I have a good marriage because I have seen how my parents behave to one another. They are the best parents anyone could have.”

The couple are celebrating their big occasion this evening at Seend Community Centre with 100 friends and family members.

Mr and Mrs Moxham have three grandchildren, Russell, Dayman and Paige.