A FORMER bank manager and his wife are celebrating 60 years of marriage.

Philip Cole, 84, met Violet, 86, when he was 20 through his older sister Margaret who was friends with Violet's mother.

The couple married in Fulham on August 16, 1947, and started their married lives in Southend.

They have lived here ever since and brought up their three children John, Peter and Catherine in the town.

They now have 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Mr Cole, of Westbourne Grove, Westcliff, said: "I think the key to a long and happy marriage is if you really love each other without reservation."

Mr Cole was the manager of Barclays bank in Southend.