Years of devotion to each other saw Alan and Jean Winser celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary on Saturday.

The couple, who enjoyed a small gathering of friends and family to mark the occasion, have lived in Blenheim Close, Meopham, since moving across the river from Essex in 1968.

Alan, 88, and Jean, 85, have since become minor celebrities in the area after decades of working with local youngsters.

“Generations of children have known us as their leaders,” said Alan, who led Scout groups alongside his wife, who took on the role of Guide leader for local Brownies.

“Jean was also a PE teacher and then a home economics teacher,” said Alan. “She was quite a sports woman – you throw a ball at her and she has caught it before it has left your hand!”

Alan and Jean were married on April 2, 1956. So what’s the secret to such a long and happy marriage?

For Alan, it’s simple: “Not dying.”