ONE Swindon couple are celebrating a very special day today  as they mark their diamond wedding anniversary just three days before Christmas.

George and Joan Kirkham, who live in Wroughton, have 60 years of wedded bliss behind them and are looking forward to many more.

The pair met at a dance at the Majestic Ballroom in 1952 and were married four years later at St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill.

George, 87, worked in the drawing office on the railways and Joan, 83, as a tailor at Nicholson’s.

“It was a lovely wedding just three days before Christmas,” said Joan.

“Though it was a bit chilly,” George added.

The happy newlyweds went to sunny Bournemouth for their honeymoon – a popular post-wedding destination in those days.

“People didn’t go to the Canary Islands or anywhere exotic like they do today,” said George.

“But we liked Bournemouth and it was a lovely honeymoon.”

George stayed working on Swindon’s famous railways until 1986 and Joan became a stay at home mum once their first child Linda was born.

Their other child Martin, 51, followed soon after Linda and the family was complete.

Asked about the secret to a long and happy marriage, George said: “It’s all about give and take, that’s the main thing. You have to look out for each other and just keep going.”

Throughout the years, the pair, who have four grandchildren, have been keen ballroom dancers.

Joan said: “We met at a dance and kept dancing right through. It was very good exercise and we loved it.”

Unfortunately they haven’t hit the dance floor for the past five years as Joan has had a few back problems.

Still, neither George nor Joan have been idle. Both have enjoyed hobbies that have kept them busy.

Joan has always enjoyed sewing and George builds steam powered model boats.

Asked about how they would celebrate their big day, George said: “We won’t be doing too much. We will probably Skype the daughter, who lives in Wales.”

If there is such a thing as a lucky number, then for George and Joan it must be 22. As George explained: “It’s funny, we met on November 22, were married on December 22 and now we live at number 22.”

The pair, who have lived in their Wroughton home for the past 45 years, are looking forward to a traditional family Christmas.

Joan said: "It will be wonderful to see everyone together at Christmas."