A CLACTON couple who met on the dancefloor have celebrated an incredible marriage milestone.

Ron and Muriel Jessop celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last week, marking 60 years of marriage with a special party.

Originally from Woodford Green, the couple met while out dancing in their 20s.

They married in 1956 and settled down in wedded bliss together – before deciding to move to the Sunshine Coast more than 50 years ago.

Muriel, who helped people find employment at the Job Centre before retiring, said: “We have always loved dancing and that’s how we met.

“We got married in Woodford Green, but now we have lived in Clacton for 53 years.

“We love it here and it has been very good for us.”

She added: “My sister moved here first and we came up to visit for a weekend. I just fell in love with the area and the endless blue sky.

“It has been a wonderful place for us to spend our lives and reach what is a very special milestone.

You don’t see many people make it to 60 years these days.

“We got a message from the Queen on our anniversary.

Now we’re looking forward to 65 years when we get another one!”

Former Princes Theatre worker Ron was originally against the move to Clacton – but soon came round to the idea.

The couple have two children and one grandchild.

They celebrated their anniversary with a big cake and a meal with friends and family, even getting out the photo album to relive happy memories.

Ron said: “Our secret to such a long marriage is that we never argued about money – because we never had any!

“But the main thing we do is laugh. We laugh and joke all the time. It helps keep you young.”

Muriel added: “We still love our dancing and we go to classes twice a week in Clacton.

“It lets us really enjoy life.”