A chance meeting in a hospital ward led to 60 years of happy marriage for a couple from Watford.

Staff shortages at Shrodells Hospital meant nurse Sylvia Moore was drafted into the surgical ward, where Reginald Dunscombe was receiving treatment, in 1946.

Three years later, the couple wed at Radlett Methodist Church, in Station Road, and on Wednesday, September 30, Sylvia and Reginald celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

The couple, who have one son and two grandchildren, celebrated their milestone with family and friends with a party at West Herts Sports Club, on Sunday, September 27.

Sylvia grew up in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, but it was her search for work that brought her to Watford.

She said: “There was no work anywhere so I couldn't get a job there or in Norwich. Some friends of ours lived up here and we were talking, so I got into Shrodells.

“It all started at the hospital. I had started nursing and Reginald was in hospital. I wasn't there very long and they were very short staffed so I had to go on the surgical ward and that's where I met him."

Reginald grew up in Upper Station Road, Radlett, and went to Medbourne School.

He began work at a garage in the village but lost his job when workers there returned from the forces. He went on to repairing agricultural machinery before landing a job as an engine mechanic with Scammell Lorries.

During the war he had worked as an ambulance driver, tending to pregnant women evacuated from London to Radlett to give birth.

And it was shortly after he began working at Scammell that he met Sylvia.

Forced between nursing and Reginald, Sylvia chose to get married and after the ceremony, they honeymooned in Norfolk, living with the bride's parents.

They then went to live with Reginald's parents in Radlett for six months, before finding a flat in Watling Street.

Their son Paul was born in 1952 before they were offered a council flat in Phillimore Place, where they lived until 1968 when they moved to their current home in Cassiobury Park Avenue, in Watford.

Sylvia continued to work in nursing, particularly at a home in St Albans, before becoming head cashier for Securicor, in Imperial Way, Watford.

Since their retirements, the couple have travelled to visit family in Canada, while they have also enjoyed cruises.

Sylvia's hobbies include gardening, while they are both members of the Scammell Club, which meets regularly.

Sylvia said: “We've had a very happy life. We haven't had any serious upsets. Everything has gone quite well.”

Asked what her secret to a successful marriage is, she added: “Just say you're sorry. It doesn't matter if you mean it or not. It will get you through.”

Reginald said: “If we have an argument, it's always cleared up before we go to bed. It doesn't go on for days and days.”