THEY met on a Slade Green riverbank when the area was dominated by farming, and they both worked on a farm in Wallhouse Road.

Now, 60 years later, Sylvia and Les Hoare still live in Slade Green, where they are very much part of the community.

The couple, from Peareswood Road, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows in front of family and friends at the church where they were married.

Mr Hoare, now 85, was from Swanley while Mrs Hoare, 80, lived in Crayford and the couple were married in her parish church of St Paulinus.

The anniversary was a double celebration as it was just days after Mrs Hoare’s 80th birthday, and among the surprises arranged for them was tea at The Ritz.

During the Second World War Mr Hoare was a Bevin Boy, working in the Yorkshire mines, and afterwards worked for the Post Office in Crayford.

The couple have three children, five grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Now, Mrs Hoare is treasurer of Slade Green’s Pop-in Parlour, organising its social events and trips, while Mr Hoare also helps local pensioners with shopping and other tasks.

They say their marriage has lasted for so long because they took their wedding vows seriously and married for life.