AN Usk couple are marking a momentous occasion this Saturday (2nd April).

Wilf and Doris Jones will celebrate 60 years of marriage surrounded by their family.

The pair met in 1953 and spent time together in a friendship group of four. Wilf and Doris’s friendship subsequently blossomed into a romantic relationship which, three years later, resulted in marriage.

The diamond couple married on Easter Monday in 1956 at St Peter’s Church in Bryngwyn.

The church was decorated by its parishioners and Wilf can remember the venue was “full of flowers”.

The sweethearts have shared many happy memories over the years and have welcomed three sons, two grandsons and two granddaughters.

Wilf, a passionate gardener, worked in the horticultural section of Usk Agricultural College for 40 years then went to work at Frank Robinson’s garden centre.

After the couple married, Doris worked as a cleaner alongside her husband in Usk Agricultural College.

When her sons were born, Doris became a busy housewife. She subsequently took a job at Milwards shoe shop in Monmouth.

Doris said: “I always felt Wilf was the ‘one’. We’ve had our ups and downs over the years but we always help each other.

“I don’t think couples try hard enough to stay together anymore, they give up very quickly.”

Wilf said: “We take each day as it comes.

“Things happen along the way, but you take it when it comes.”

Wilf and Doris will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary with an afternoon tea at Glen Yr Afon Hotel, Usk.