A Kingsteignton couple are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary this week.

Colin and Marian Dayman tied the knot at St Michael’s Church in Kingsteignton sixty years ago on February 26 1966.

The pair met while on holiday in Bournemouth 18 months earlier. Colin had travelled down from the Midlands to enjoy a break with family while Marion was visiting the Dorset resort with friends.

They kept in touch and pursued a long-distance relationship before marrying in Marion’s home town. The wedding was followed by a honeymoon to London.

However, once married, the couple didn’t stay in the UK for too long. Colin’s role in the army saw the pair travel all over the world and they have spent time living and working in Borneo, Cyprus and Germany.

When they eventually returned to the UK they were able to focus on family life and bringing up their three boys: Ian, David and Paul.

After 20 years in the army, Colin took on a role at Teignbridge District Council where he worked for another two decades; initially in planning before he built on his passion for photography and moved into video services.

The couple cite the longevity of their marriage to each of them maintaining different interests as well as doing things together. Colin is a keen aviation enthusiast and enjoys flight simulators, while Marian enjoys playing bridge and swimming.

Travel is a shared passion, and they have visited New Zealand 16 times, mainly to visit their son and two of their six grandchildren who live there. While travelling over the years, Marian has indulged her love of adventure with hang-gliding and parasailing.

Colin and Marian are looking forward to celebrating their anniversary with a family gathering at the weekend.