Family is key to a long and happy marriage, say a Bushey couple who celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Tony and Sylvia Hatton, of Burn Close, celebrated 60 years of marriage last weekend with nearly 100 friends and family, who joined them at their party in the Hilton Hotel on the A41.

The couple, aged 80 and 78, met in their late teens during the 1950s in a small hall on the top of Hilton shoe shop in Watford High Street.

The pair had gone dancing, and Mr Hatton, who had just come out of the Marines, mistook Mrs Hatton for another woman he had met earlier that night. Despite this, he still walked her home and ever since then they have been together.

A year later, on January 25, 1955, the couple married at the old Watford registry office and rather than going on a honeymoon, they went to see a play at one of London's theatres and have a meal with some family and friends.

Mrs Hatton, who used to work for Barclays bank, but had to leave once she was married as it was the bank’s policy to not employ married women, said: "We had about 20 people there and it was a really nice day. Back in the 50s there wasn't a lot of money so we just got by and lived within our means."

"We were one of the first to move on to the Meriden estate into one of the council houses in the cul de sacs, and were the fourth couple to buy it. We bought the place for around £4,200 and lived there for 25 years, until 1982.

"I really did love living there. There were a lot of children on that estate and they all grew up together."

Mr Hatton, who set up a window cleaning business, Supervision Assured 2000, shortly after getting married and is still running it today, said: "I started the business with a bucket of water and a ladder with my brother-in-law. We used to have a motorbike and a side car, which is where I put the ladder.

"Later when we had our first two kids, they used to sit in that side car, before we got the Vauxhall Cresta."

The couple have five children (three daughters and two sons), 12 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Their eldest daughter, Sandra Ashworth, 59, said: "The party was really nice and it was lovely to see all their friends and family together. They are the beset parents anyone could have and I am really happy for them."

Mr and Mrs Hatton, received a special diamond anniversary card from the Queen, which Mrs Hatton said she was delighted about.

With regards to what's next, Mr Hatton said he hopes to continue working for another 20 years before retiring from their family run business.