A couple that only went on two dates before tying the knot have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Jim, 80, and Maureen McMillan, 76, of Winchmore Hill, were sent a telegram from the Queen to commemorate their 60 years together.

“She was my friend’s sister and I had just come out the army” recalled Mr McMillan.

“We went on two dates to the pub and then on the following Monday I told her not to go back to work the next day because we were getting married.”

After getting married in Islington, the couple moved around whilst working where they could to make ends meet.

Mr McMillan added: “It was very tough in those days and completely different to now. But we were happy together.”

The couple then moved to their Winchmore Hill home in 1968 where they have brought up three children, and now have six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The 80-year-old opened his own greengrocers in Islington where it stood for over 20 years.

He revealed the reasons for their long-lasting relationship is solely because of his wife Maureen.

He said: “I would say, quite honestly, its because Maureen is so nice, she cares for everybody, she really does, and I get a bit sentimental about it.

“I could not have done it without her. I have always worked away and she has been so selfless in bringing up our children, I am the luckiest man.”

The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a party at the Royal Chase Hotel, in The Ridgeway.

Working hard has been engrained into the sweethearts with Mr McMillan only retiring two years ago after 62 years of hard graft.

He said: “I have worked everywhere from 16-78 but it got a bit too much for me in the end. But while I was doing all these hours Maureen has been doing everything else for me, she is an incredible woman.”

Asked about highlights in the marriage, Mr McMillan said: “All I can say, although we were very poor we still had good holidays, and spending time with our family.

"I would like to thank all of my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends for coming to the Royal Chase Hotel to celebrate our special day."