NEVER holding a grudge is the secret to a long and happy marriage, according to Joyce and Brian Healey, who celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary today.

They married 60 years ago today at Holy Rood Catholic Church, in Swindon and on Sunday they will renew their vows and receive a papal blessing there.

They married on one of the hottest days of the year at the ages of 20 and 27.

“It was a scorcher,” said lifetime Swindon Town season ticket holder Brian, 87.

“It was a beautiful day, we were absolutely covered in confetti and it all stuck to me,” said Joyce.

“I had a white dress which was sleeveless.

“We had a reception at the Oxford Hotel, and we had about 100 guests and it cost about £65.

“I can’t remember him getting down on one knee, but I do remember going to Reading to get the ring.”

After they were married they moved in with Brian’s mother in Curtis Street before moving to Woodside Avenue, and later to Liden, Peatmoor, Marlborough Road and eventually Old Town.

The pair, who have always enjoyed walking and regularly trek out to Coate Water, met at while Brian worked in his parent’s grocery shop in Curtis Street, where Joyce’s mother ordered her groceries.

Brian later worked long hours as a manager at Linfood Cash and Carry in Elgin - which was later taken over by Bookers - where Joyce came to work.

When Joyce left Linfood she worked as a merchandiser, before having a career change at the age of 50, when she started to sell houses.

She said: “I’ve always worked two jobs, one in the day time, then I’d come home to feed the children, and I’d work in the evenings.

It didn’t make much but it was just to earn a little bit more money.

“At 50 I started selling houses, and when I retired from that I did demonstrations in merchandising at Tesco’s.”

The couple who have three children, Paul, Judith and Michael and three grandchildren never believed they would reach 60 years together.

They put the longevity of their marriage down to tolerance.

“At times I wondered if we’d still be together once we got here.”

“It wouldn’t be right to say we didn’t have our fair share of arguments and troubles,” said Brian.

“But we never went to bed without sorting it and never bore a grudge.”