It began by being askedto make up a foursome

Jessie and Don Humphries shared the same materials as they helped Britain's effort against the Nazis in a South Wimbledon factory.

Jessie helped make gliders for British forces in raids such as the one at Arnhem. Don worked on machine guns.

Jessie said: 'We used to talk and chat. My sister worked with Don and fancied his friend. They asked us if we would make a foursome.'

Two-and-a-half years later and the happy couple walked up the aisle of St Peter's Church in Carshalton, Surrey, on the dull and wet day of December 27, 1947. Their celebrations made light of the wartime privations.

'We managed to get a couple of rooms. We couldn't find anywhere to live because of the war.

'As soon as accommodation became available, we got married,' stated Jessie.

Jessie (82) had grown up in Carshalton, while Don '“ 85 on Christmas Day '“ was raised in a children's home in Burgess Hill.

After the war, he became a bus driver for London Transport. He stayed in the job for 40 years and three months.

The couple have two daughters, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

They continued to live in the Surrey area until they moved to Cardinals Drive seven years ago.

They are keen members of Pagham Bowls Club where their friends held a surprise party to mark their diamond anniversary.

Don said: 'It's all about having a good sense of humour and give and take.

'Anybody who says they don't have a row is telling fibs. The trick is to make it up afterwards.'