A BLIND date some years ago at one of Torquay’s then premier nightclubs saw two young Devonians lock eyes for the first time, and today, March 30, they are celebrating 60 years of marriage.

Surrounded by family, Maurice and Valerie Bovey, who live in Kingsteignton, will continue with their diamond wedding anniversary celebrations with an evening meal at the Hare and Hounds, having already ventured to an AirBnB in Lyme Regis this past weekend for some time away with family.

Maurice and Valerie, the former a Torquay boy and the latter a Paignton girl, met on a blind date at the 400 Ballroom in Torquay.

‘My friend and Valerie’s friend were together’ Maurice said.

‘I had just come out the army a few months before and our friends said “lets get them together”’ Maurice added.

Upon seeing each other for the first time, what were Maurice and Valerie’s first impression?

‘How lovely, what a nice man he looked – very handsome!’ Valerie said.

‘Nice pair of legs!’ Maurice said with a smile.

Maurice, who spent the bulk of his working life with Wilkins Builders and Valerie, who worked in retail, including time in the wallpaper industry, have two adult children and four grandchildren.

Married in St Mary’s church in Kingskerswell, the couple marked the event something special, with more family stopping by this weekend.

And last, but by no means least, what is the secret, if there is such a thing, to a long and happy marriage?

‘Give and take, that’s all really’ Maurice said.

‘Try not to go to bed on an arguement!’ he added.