A couple who are set to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary believe they are still together due to the 'luck of the draw'.

Frank and Jean Clark, of Lawnfields in Marden Ash, Ongar, will mark 60 years of marriage on Monday.

The couple first met as teenagers, but didn't start courting until after Mr Clark finished his national service in the Royal Marines aged 22.

They were married in 1954 and are still using the crystal they recieved as a wedding gift from Jean's parents.

Jean, 82, said: “It’s a bit of an achievement really.

“I’m not really sure how we’ve managed it, it’s the luck of the draw I think.

“Everyone has their ups and downs but that’s life and it’s a bit boring if it’s too smooth.

Frank, 85, is a retired signwriter and still has examples of his work in High Street, Ongar, such as Bonner Funeral Directors and Central Electrics.

He said: “I was attracted to Jean because of the way she held herself.

“She was very well presented with good posture and I used to call her ‘coat hanger shoulders’.”

Jean said: “It was his wit and his lovely blonde hair that I liked.

“It certainly wasn’t his money.”

The couple will celebrate with friends and family at their home on March 22.