Accidental Couple

John and Mary Allen, both 80 from Abergele, will gather for a party with friends and family on Sunday to mark their diamond anniversary.

The Allens, who are originally from Birmingham, grew up next door to each other but romance only blossomed when another woman refused John’s offer for a dance date.

Mary said: “We used clothing coupons. I borrowed a wedding dress and veil and my two youngest sisters had old bridesmaid dresses with net covers on them. It was that sort of time, but it didn’t spoil the day.”

John joined the RAF as part of national service after World War Two and later worked in the transport industry, while Mary went on to become an operator of early punch card computers.

Mary said: “It was right at the cutting edge of technology at the time, but the machines I used are in the museum in Birmingham now.”