A Blackheath couple have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with the party they couldn't afford 60 years ago.

George and Shirley Edgar, who met while working at a lampshade factory in Woolwich, were married in 1955 in Eltham when they were aged just 19 and 17.

Because they had little money for a reception, after the ceremony they popped back to his mum's house for sandwiches and their honeymoon was spent feeding the pigeons in Trafalgar Square.

Mr Edgar, now 79 and living in Hider Court, said he first noticed his bride-to-be because of her striking blonde hair. He joked: "She was very slim. She was about 6 stone - now she's about 13."

This month, the couple were treated to a fish and chip supper and said it was like the reception they never had. Great grandson George, 11, even booked a News Shopper photographer as a special surprise.

Great-grandfather-of-four Mr Edgar, who said the party was the best day since his three children were born, added: "We never go to bed angry with each other or upset. That's why it's lasted so long.

"Apart from that she's a damn good cook and I'm a damn good eater."