TEACHING someone to drive is not always the best route to a romantic relationship but for Don and Beryl Hodges it was the fast lane to love.

The couple who will celebrate 60 years of marriage on Thursday, met after former grocery shop errand boy Mr Hodges was asked by his old boss to help shop assistant Beryl to learn to drive in a van.

Beryl, 82, said: “It all went very well. He was very patient but he used to take me to the steepest hill in Swindon for me to practice my hill starts, which was a bit daunting.”

In addition to celebrating their diamond wedding the couple are delighted their first great grandchild, Jessica was born last week at the Royal United Hospital, Bath weighing 8lbs 6ozs.

She is now expected to be among the guests at a party at the Westbrook, in Bromham, on Saturday when four generations of the family will celebrate.

The driving lessons back in 1951 in Swindon where the couple both grew up led to years of courtship before they married at St Peter’s Church, in Pinehurst in1957 after Don finished his National Service.

Their daughter Pauline was born in 1960, followed by their son Ian in 1964.

When the children went to school Beryl worked in the council education office in Sanford Street, Swindon, while Don went into partnership in an industrial and commercial photographic studio in the town.

Studio 70 became one of the leading businesses of its type and among its customers was the Swindon Evening Advertiser.

After leaving the studio in 1997 Don worked in the photographic section at RAF Lyneham.

Don, 83, said: “We have had a very happy marriage and if I had my time over again I would do exactly the same.”

The couple, who lived most of their married life in Rodbourne Cheney, now live at Caen Hill, Devizes, have three grandchildren Leanne, James and Alistair.

Over the years they have loved to travel and went on a trip on Concord in 1999 to mark Don’s retirement.

And they spent their golden wedding anniversary in America.