Video: Watch Valerie and
Tony talk about how they met and their special day

by Luke Hollands

It may have taken them more than half a century, but a pair of
pensioners have finally made it to the church on time.

It was back in 1955 when Valerie and Tony Chittenden of
Bethersden first tied the knot during a rushed register office
wedding, before Mr Chittenden was posted to Germany on National
Service.

Now, nearly 54 years later, the couple, both aged 71, have
celebrated their marriage with the traditional church service they
had always dreamed of.

Dozens of guests - including some from as far away as Dubai -
joined the couple in Great Chart for the special day. It was
certainly a family affair with son Glynn giving his mother away and
grandson Robert acting as best man.