IT was a match made in heaven. Oh no it wasn't! Oh yes it was! With a first date at the pantomime there was plenty of scope for drama when Janet and Gordon Roberts first met.

Janet was working at the Food Office and Gordon at the Grocer's Office when work colleagues encouraged them to see the pantomime in Bristol together.

Although they can no longer remember the name of the pantomime, their love has lasted over 60 years and they are preparing to celebrate their diamond wedding ann­iversary.

They tied the knot at Clearwell Church with family and friends attending the ceremony.

The couple honeymooned at a friend's house in Falfield, the other side of the Severn, before moving to rooms at the Scowles for 18 months.

They took a flat over Burt's Stores, Coleford, before moving to their current home in Sunnybank where they have lived for 53 years.

Gordon soon started working for Pearl Assurance and was a loyal employee for many years. Janet left her next job at the Labour Exchange shortly before their first daughter, Mary Jayne was born. After a few years their second daughter, Elizabeth, came along. Both the girls were born at the Dilke Memorial Hospital and are true Foresters.

Janet's organisational abilities were not wasted as she started volunteering as a Guide leader and acted as secretary for the Coleford branch of the St John Ambulance.

Janet says the secret to a long-lasting marriage is making sure you stay friends.

"Don't let the sun go down on your anger," she said. "And take the rough with the smooth."

Janet and Gordon now have five grandchildren and five great grandchildren who will be helping to celebrate their wedding anniversary on Saturday (August 29).

"We praying for a nice day," said Janet. "We would prefer it if no-one bought us presents either – we don't need anything at our age!"