THEIR love has shined bright like a diamond for 60 years.

But Burnham-on-Sea couple Shirley and Peter Hall say being married for 60 years is not plain sailing.

The pair are set to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary today (January 12) and say the secret to a long lasting marriage is speaking your mind.

The couple met when Shirley was aged just 15 at a fireworks display in 1952 but did not marry until 1957 as Peter was sworn into the army which meant they were apart for nearly three years.

Peter said: "We met just after the war.

"I was at a fireworks display in a park with some friends and I looked downwards to see a group of pretty girls sat together.

"We went over and spoke to the three girls and Shirley and I struck up a courtship.

"We would go to the pictures on Saturday nights and we got to know each other really well and love stemmed from there.

"Not long after we met I was sworn into the army for around three years and Shirley was so loyal to me throughout this time.

"We used to write to each other every week and she would go round and see my parents on Saturday's while I was away."

Shirley and Peter decided they wanted to exchange their vows before he went away so when he got back, getting married would be easier for them.

Shirley said: "We had to pay to get married twice would you believe it.

"When Peter returned from the army it had been so long since we had exchanged vows we had to get permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury to get married.

"But it was worth it"

The pair married at St Peter's Church in South Croyden in 1957 and say marriage is all give and take.

Shirley said: "When Peter went into the army I was heartbroken, we had both been ready for a summer wedding but we married later.

"I am so grateful to have met Peter, we have just one daughter and she is our world.

"We are both fans of gardening and since Peter has retired I have made sure he has been doing his fair share around the house."

Peter said: "You are going to have your ups and downs in marriage, we have had plenty between us but we enjoy each other's company and enjoy spending time together doing things we both like.

"I think the secret of a good marriage or any relationship in fact is making sure you speak your mind.

"It can seem difficult to do at times but we have done it and we have a very happy relationship.

"Because of Shirley's loyalty to me when I was sworn into the army, I think now I am more in love with her than I was when I met her.

"She is the person I could not live without."