It was 1953 when Gloria and Les Smith shared their first date.

Fast forward to 2018, and the couple are celebrating 60 years of happy marriage.

They celebrated their diamond wedding in style with their daughters flying over from Australia for the special occasion.

Their love story started when the pair were both teenagers, aged 17, attending the Sunday social at Margate’s Winter Gardens.

While Les attended King Ethelbert school, Gloria went to Lausanne Girls School.

Gloria said: “He first took me home from the Sunday social, but I’d seen him and met him before and he’d seen me.

“I was playing netball when he first saw me, and he was playing football.”

The secret to a long, happy marriage is simple, Gloria says.

“It’s give and take,” she said.

“You have your differences, but at the end of the day you love each other.”

"The secret to a long, happy marriage is give and take" - Gloria Smith

The couple have two daughters and six grandchildren, who all live in Australia.

Grandson Joe Smith-Davies said: “Their home and their community is the special, hospitable place to which we are always so happy to return.

“Although now both in their 80s, they continue to each day take breakfast at local establishments, always supporting their local shopkeepers and businesses.

"Their sheer love for each other, life and Thanet is to be sought after.

“They are both dedicated followers of Margate Football Club.

“They both showed commitment and a diligent work ethic in their respective occupations in Thanet.

“Gloria’s craftmanship and delicate touch was applied to the beautiful Hornby trains at the Margate-based factory.

“Although the manufacturing is no longer in the area, Gloria has maintained her artisan skills creating sewing and knitting projects for family, friends and those in need.

"Les was a plumber by trade. His experience and skills were instrumental in redeveloping and upgrading the Margate hospital in the late 80s.”