They met at a dance more than 65 years ago after being persuaded to attend by their friends, and now Ditchingham couple Ron and Jean Butler have celebrated their diamond anniversary.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Diamond wedding couple Ron and Jean Butler.Diamond wedding couple Ron and Jean Butler. (Image: ©archant2015)

Mr and Mrs Butler, who were raised in Ilford and Stepney, courted for seven years before getting married on a freezing cold day at St Margaret’s Church in Barking, on December 17, 1955.

Mr Butler was called up for national service at the age of 21, after his date was deferred to allow him to care for his father. He left after 18 months to look after his father once again.

Mrs Butler worked until they got married as a seamstress, and returned to work a few months after their wedding to work in an office.

Mr Butler spent most of his working life as a carpenter.

Together they have two daughters Linda and Sharon, and moved to Ditchingham 23 years ago to be closer to their children after living in Dagenham.

They have four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

“We have had the best days of our lives living here,” said Mr Butler. “We love the area and the pace of life.”

Mr Butler’s main hobby is looking after his 13 canaries, which live in an aviary built in the garden by his son-in-law.

He also enjoys fishing at Dicthingham Pit.

Mr and Mrs Butler, now 85 and 81, celebrated their milestone a few days before with a family lunch, and were treated to a trip to Thursford Christmas Spectacular on their anniversary date last Thursday.

“We had a very cheerful day,” said Mrs Butler.

When asked the secret to their long and happy marriage, Mrs Butler said: “We do have little arguments but they are always forgotten about.

“We work together and we have got a lovely family who are very good to us.”

Mr Butler added: “We can’t live without each other.”

Are you celebrating a special milestone? Email amy.smith@archant.co.uk