BRIDGWATER couple Joan and Phillip Parker celebrated their diamond anniversary this week with a special party at the Rosary Nursing Home.

Philip and Joan tied the knot on March 21, 1959 at St Mary's Church in Bridgwater, and were married by the Reverend Hugh Davies in his last ceremony.

"It was a fantastic day," Joan, 85, recalls.

"Both of us had relatives involved in the bellringers and the choir and so we had both on our wedding day."

There were images of the couple's nuptials displayed around the room at the Rosary.

"It is so nostalgic looking back at them, such fond memories," Mrs Parker said.

The pair first met at a motorcycle scramble in Enmore, and were together for two years before getting married.

"We bought our first home on Bristol Road for £1,000," Mr Parker said.

"Imagine getting a three bedroom house for that now!"

Phillip, now 82, worked at Roberts Bricklaying before joining the medical core for his national service and returned to bricklaying afterwards.

Phillip was also well-known for his exploits with Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club where he was nicknamed 'The Giant'.

Joan meanwhile held down a number of jobs including working at the Old Woolworths in Eastover, at Lords Fruit Shop and worked at a butchers.

Phillip and Joan have three children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

"We are extremely proud of the family," Joan says.

When asked what the secret to a long and happy marriage was, Phillip replied: "You have to behave yourself, to work hard together and to keep loving one another."

Family friend Sarah Seaman said Joan and Phillip were 'the most loving couple ever' and 'fantastic people'.

The pair had two cakes, decorations and a card from the queen.

Their daughter Tracy Perks said she was thankful to The Rosary for hosting such a lovely party.