A former postman had no idea his future was sorted when he went on a coach trip to Southend more than 60 years ago.

William Winfield and wife Jean, aged 82 and 81, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last Thursday in Smeaton Road, Southfieds - the road they have lived in since 1949.

They met on the coach during a summer event called the Beano, organised by the Wandsworth Laundry, which no longer exists, where Mrs Winfield used to work.

Mr Winfield said: “It was a great thing in those days to go to the beach, there weren’t many cars in those days.

“The borough has changed unbelievably. Right opposite our road was the OK Sauce factory, which is no more.

“Opposite that was the ambulance repair centre which is now being turned into somewhere where they store their furniture.”

Mr Winfield was a postman, working his way up to being an executive officer at the Royal Mail.

The couple were married at St Barnabas Church and have two daughters, Barbara and Brenda, now in their 50s.

They were later blessed with three grandchildren, Claire, Mark and Michelle- and two great grandchildren, Summer and Adam.