A HAPPY couple on Canvey have celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Norman Heath, known as Les, and his wife Jean were both born in London and married in St Dunstan's Church in Stepney, East London.

After they married, the couple lived with Mrs Heath's parents before moving to Basildon, where they had their two sons, Norman and David.

Mr Heath, 81, who worked as a lorry driver for a company called Bonallack, said: "We lived with my wife's family for a while, but then the firm I worked for moved to Basildon and we were given a house."

Mrs Heath, now 80, worked in London as a machinist while the couple lived in Basildon.

However, after 25 years working for the firm, Mr Heath was made redundant and got a new job at the methane terminal on Canvey as a security guard.

The couple eventually moved to the island, in Thames Road.

They celebrated their anniversary with family.

The couple have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.