CARING and sharing has been the secret to a happy marriage for a devoted couple from Thundersley.

Reg Bridge, 82, and his wife Peggy, 81, have celebrated their diamond wedding surrounded by familiy members with a gourmet lunch at the Pontlands Park Hotel in Great Baddow.

Mr Bridge met the love of his life during a holiday to Dublin with his friend Tommy in May 1946. He was introduced to Tommy's cousin Peggy and romance blossomed.

He said: "We went out on the town for the week. I came back and realised how much I missed her.

"I wrote, she wrote and we got married in Dublin the following year."

Mrs Bridge added: "He is the best thing that ever happened to me in my life.

"He was always so thoughtful and generous and has been like that ever since."

The couple, who live in Greenleas, Thundersley, share a love of gardening and enjoy spending time with their two sons, three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.