IT MIGHT have been 60 years ago but for Gerald Sleep it seems like only yesterday he was marrying his wife, Shirley.

The couple, who live in Forker Avenue, Rosyth, met back in 1953 and tied the knot a year later. Last Thursday they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a special meal in their favourite place to eat, the Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry.

Gerald (82) met Shirley (79) when they were both working in the naval administration offices in Bath. “I spotted her and thought she looked quite good,” recalled Gerald.

“And she must have thought I looked quite good too because she invited me back to hers to watch the cricket!” They moved to Scotland together in 1968 and have lived in Rosyth ever since.

“I was encouraged to come up for the golf and fishing,” admitted Gerald.

“But Shirley didn’t mind, she thought it might be quite good for us.” The move turned out to be a good one and at the end of August they were reunited with many of their English family and friends who made the visit to celebrate their anniversary at Pitbauchlie House Hotel in Dunfermline.

For those wondering what the secret might be to such a long and happy marriage, Gerald believes the answer is simple.

“Communication,” he said. “Talking to each other is the key. We have a lovely dialogue with one another. We like a lot of things together and we have our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren!”