A Mitcham couple will be partying at the weekend as they celebrate 50 years of marriage.

Former army man Len Petts met his bride-to-be Kit - who was serving in the land army - in Darlington in 1946.

He spent ages trying to persuade her to go on a date - and his persistence clearly paid off when the couple were married two years later - on August 21 - at St Joseph's Church, Cheriton.

The Petts lived in Ashford and later Folkestone before moving to Buckingham Road, Mitcham, where they have lived for 32 years. Len, 70, worked in the cinema industry - from sound engineer to projectionist - for many years and is now employed as a storekeeper for Cannon Cinemas, in Beckenham.

Kit, who is known for always lending a helping hand, worked as a home carer before her retirement and now spends much of her time looking after her youngest grandchild, three year old Nicole.

The couple have six children - David, Susan, Jean, Yvonne, Liz and Julie - and 13 grandchildren who range in age between three and 23.

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