“He’s mine, he’s perfect and I would never find another one.”

Shirley Berry’s dad always knew she had found the man for her and he was right - she and husband Ken have just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Aged just 16 and 17, the childhood sweethearts met at Leeches optical and lens factory in Rochester High Street.

Mr Berry, 80, who was born in Chatham, said: “We got talking and we’ve never looked back.”

Mrs Berry, 81, who has lived in Rochester all her life, added: “My dad met him and said I’d got a good one and when it comes from dad, that’s when you know.”

In 1956, Mr Berry joined the RAF and was posted to Hastings. He kept in contact by writing letters during the week and visiting at weekends.

Mr Berry said: “When I was on the way home, the train cut through Rochester High Street and Shirley would always wait outside and wave as I went past.”

The couple have lived in Medway their whole lives and were married in Rochester at St Justus Church on June 21, 1958, followed by a reception at a hall in Maidstone Road which is now houses.

Both say it is their happiest memory together.

Sixty years later, they have two children, Lee and Christine, and two grandchildren, Sarah and Sophie, who all live in Medway.

Mr and Mrs Berry celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary with their family at the Bridgewood Manor Hotel near Blue Bell Hill, Chatham.

The couple told their friends not to give presents but instead asked for donations towards the Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research, raising more than £100.

As to the age-old question of what is the secret to their long-lasting relationship, Mrs Berry said: “Never go to bed on an argument.”

Mr Berry added: “I always get the last word and that is usually, ‘yes dear’.”