DOUG and Betty Davis first met as partners in a badminton tournament and were today celebrating 60 years of marriage.

Doug, 83, said: "We were drawn together at a sports club meeting in 1939 and I asked to take Betty home. We have been together ever since."

Both born in Swindon, the couple were working at the old Morses department store in Regent Street when they met.

They now live in Henrietta Court, Old Town.

Doug said: "I was a buyer in menswear and Betty worked in the counting house. She had a lovely fur coat and I fancied getting to know her more."

Only a year later Doug was called up to serve in the Royal Marines, while Betty went on to serve in the Army.

But despite World War Two, they were determined to get married and obtained special leave for their wedding.

The ceremony was at St Mark's Church. Doug remembers Betty looking beautiful in a long white dress made by her mother, Frances.

Betty, 82, said: "Fabric was scarce at the time, so it was very fortunate my mother was a dressmaker."

Food was also in short supply but relatives saved their ration coupons to provide a comparatively lavish reception, complete with a two-tier cake. The couple even went to Oxford for a three-day honeymoon.

"It was very romantic and the hotel brought us breakfast in bed," Betty added.

After the war, they returned to their original jobs and Betty became pregnant with their twins, Lynn and Diane, who were to provide them with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Asked for the secret to a long and successful marriage, the couple agree that patience and understanding are the key.

Betty said: "Like all couples we have our disagreements, but they never last long because we talk them over."

Doug and Betty are today celebrating their special anniversary with a small gathering of family and friends.