A SIDDINGTON couple getting ready to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary have divulged their secrets to a long and happy marriage.

Dave and Rene Curtis, who live on the outskirts of Cirencester, met in Cheltenham when he was 20 and she was just 17.

For Dave, who was 19 at the time, it was love at first sight, but Rene, then 17, already had a boyfriend at the time.

However, the young Gloucestershire farm boy won her over and 60 years on, the couple are still happily married.

They are both looking forward to marking the special occasion on November 6 with a meal organised by their six children.

"We have had a hard life, but a happy life," said Dave, 82. "She's been a good manager! I'm looking forward to the next 10 years."

After a grand meal out with their children at the Four Pillars Hotel in South Cerney on November 2, the couple will be travelling to Belgium for a day out as an anniversary present to one another.

Three years after meeting, Dave and Rene recited their vows in 1954 at St Thomas Church, Monmouth, near to where Rene grew up. They had a small ceremony, followed by a dinner with close family.

"I bought my dining room suite instead of a big white wedding," said Rene, 80, who grew up with 11 brothers and sisters in Wales.

As well as half a dozen children, the couple also have 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren with one more on the way.

"I'm a proper mother," added Rene. "I spoil them all."

As an extra gift, the happy couple's children bought their parents tickets to see the comedy act Mrs Brown's Boys in Birmingham next March, which they both said they cannot wait to see.

"There is nothing you really want when you're 80," said Rene.

"I even said about buying her a diamond ring but she said she already had lots of rings," added Dave.

When asked about tips for staying together for decades like they have, the couple said it was important to never fall asleep while having an argument and to always kiss goodnight.