A HAPPY Dovercourt couple are celebrating 60 years of blissful marriage.

Joyce and Chris Papworth met in 1955 when they were just 16 years old and worked across the road from each other.

They both lived in Coggeshall at the time and married at the age of 20, at St Peter ad Vincula Church, on August 15, 1959.

Six decades on, they now have two daughters, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Chris said: “On retirement, we decided we would like to spend the rest of our lives in the Harwich and Dovercourt area.

“In 2003, we moved to Dovercourt where we were accepted immediately.

“The day after we moved in, a neighbour invited us for a coffee morning.

“We have many friends in the area and have no regrets about coming to this beautiful part of Essex.”

The couple say learning to put up with each other is the key to a happy marriage.

Joyce said: “It’s all about give and take, you need to learn to put up with each other but also having a good sense of humour helps.”