THEY met as Hampshire teenagers enjoying a fair in Basingstoke held to mark the 1951 Festival of Britain.

Two years later their wedding paved the way for a marriage that has lasted ever since.

Last week (November 21), John and Patricia Trimmer celebrated their diamond anniversary at a Winchester care home where Patricia has lived since last year.

Alongside family and friends, the couple threw a party with the help of Patricia’s carers at St Catherine’s View on Stanmore Lane, celebrating with cake, champagne and a special card of congratulations from the Queen.

John, who started off as a carpenter before turning his trade to house building, said: “A lasting marriage is like a good car – you have to choose a good model that’s going to be strong and reliable.

“It’s all about working together and talking things over. That’s what you’ve got to do.”

John, who still lives at the family cottage in Micheldever, said he got more than he bargained for when he first met Patricia, aged 17, who at the time was working as a farm hand near her home village of Hannington. “You don’t usually expect to win much,” he said. “But that time it turned out alright.”

John and Patricia, both 80, are grandparents to four and were joined by their daughters, Hazel and Sharon to celebrate with them.