They met at a dance in 1947, and now Joan and Leslie Reece are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

The couple, now both 82, were working for the Navy and based at Chatham in Kent when they met on the dance floor.

Leslie had just returned from sea on HMS Bermuda, and Joan was in the Women's Royal Naval Service (known as the Wrens), which was the women's branch of the Royal Navy.

When Leslie was demobbed, he returned to his home in Bristol, but kept in touch with Joan, who stayed with the Wrens. He worked for Bristol Aeroplane Company and later Bristol Siddeley, an aero engine manufacturer.

In 1949, Joan left the Wrens and married Leslie at Holy Trinity Church in Old Market on August 27.

They lived in Montpelier and Joan worked as a clerical assistant for Radio Rentals.

She stopped working to have their four children – Pat, Anne, Carol and David. They now also have seven grandchildren.

They later moved to Lockleaze and then to Bradley Stoke, where they have lived for the last 20 years.

Joan returned to work after her children were born, making school meals and then doing some more clerical work.

The couple retired 18 years ago, and since then have spent their time taking holidays at home and abroad and spending time with their family.

Joan said: "We have had a very good 60 years together. We look back with a lot of pleasure.

"You need to learn to live together and appreciate that someone is there for you when you need them, and that they need you and can trust you. It is about growing together into marriage, having children, and eventually growing old together."