It seemed to work for him – he and wife Ida have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

The 83-year-old said: 'She was the prettiest girl I had seen in a long time. It was the best decision I have made.'

The couple, from Fir Copse Road, Purbrook, met at a dance hall in their home town of Gravesend, Kent.

'He asked me to dance, we got talking and then he took me home,' said Mrs Easterby, nee Tucker. 'He was lovely and tall. I was thrilled.'

The couple were married in Gravesend on September 13. The bride wore a satin wedding dress and held red carnations.

'It was a lovely day,' said Mrs Easterby. 'There were lots of friends and family there.'

In 1965, they moved to Purbrook where Mr Easterby took a job as a design engineer for company John Brown.

Mrs Easterby left her factory job and stayed at home with their two children, Patricia and Paul.

'I liked Portsmouth,' said Mr Easterby. 'It seemed easy-going compared to home.'

To celebrate 50 happy years, their children held a surprise party at the Irish Club, Southsea.

Golden streamers were laid over the tables and dozens of pictures of their wedding day hung from the walls.

Daughter Patricia made a speech and guests were entertained by a band playing a mixture of 50s and modern music.

'My daughter and son organised everything,' said Mrs Easterby, 72. 'We were so proud at what they had done. I was overwhelmed.

'Like every couple we have had our minor problems but we have stuck at it.'