First relationship for Banbury's Val and David has lasted for 60 years

Val and David Page, now of Woodfield, Banbury, will spend the weekend with family and friends, toasting 60 years of marriage.

"We were each other's one and only - neither of us had any other relationships," said Mrs Page.

"David was sent to Kineton army camp - it was called Marlborough Farm Camp then - for his two years' national service and I was working at Kestos in Britannia Road. We made bras and petticoats and I put on the buttons.

"It was the days of starched petticoats and jiving and we used to go dancing a lot. We went out with each other for two years and when David's national service came to an end we decided to get married. I was 18 and he was 21. We married at Bodicote and had a do for about 20 people at my Gran's house," she said.

The couple went to live near Eastbourne, where David had come from, but returned within two years and initially lived with Mrs Page's grandmother before moving into their own home.

"We lived in Prescott Avenue for 44 years and moved to a bungalow in Woodfield 13 years ago. David worked in the construction industry, ending up as a general foreman."

The couple have four children, two sons, Stephen, 59, and Lee, 49, and two daughters, Kim, 56 and Jackie, 53. They also have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

"Family is a very big thing for us. The children visit every week," said Mrs Page. "Our recipe for a long and happy marriage is give and take and having your own space.

"We've had our ups and downs and David has got very good at saying 'yes dear'," she joked.

"David is a real sports fan and watches a lot on television, especially football, and I go out every week with my best friend - who's also been a best friend for 60 years."

The couple has been promised 'lots of surprises' by their children over the coming days. They will enjoy a meal out on Saturday and an 'open house' with family and friends on Sunday.