CHILDHOOD sweethearts who met while living in the same street are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

Jack Martin, 81, and his wife Eileen, 80, of Gwendalen Avenue, Canvey, married 60 years ago at St John's Church, Leytonstone.

The couple met in 1941 when they moved to the same street in the London town and began dating when she was still in college.

In 1945, Mr Martin was called up to serve with the Royal Marines in Germany, despite the war in Europe having ended.

Mrs Martin said: "There was still an awful lot for the troops to do.

"We wrote to each other every day and at that stage I had finished college at 18. I went to work in the West End as a dress maker near Bond Street.

"Jack was given the job of bringing machinery we wanted in this country from Germany and he had to come to London and report in Leicester Square, so he used to come and see me.

"He used to come home more than most people, which was quite nice."

After two years, Mr Martin moved back to London and the couple married on June 5, 1948, on Derby Day.

The lucky couple won a two shilling bet they had placed on the winner, My Love, which started their marriage well.

They had a daughter, Pauline, now 57 and living in Ireland, and Mr Martin began working as a representative for Atlas paper company, while Mrs Martin continued to work as a dress maker from home.

She said: "I'm not going to say we don't argue, but it's a bit of give and take. I've got a very happy-go-lucky husband who is very laidback."

Mr and Mrs Martin have three grandchildren, Shane, 35, who is serving with the United Nations in Afghanistan, Rebecca, 32, a teacher in Wales, and Julie, 28, who works in Ireland.

They will be celebrating their wedding anniversary tonight with friends from the Ace of Clubs Social Club and having a dinner party with family and close friends on Saturday.