When Margaret Smith was dared by her friends to approach Bernard Pegler at a local dance in Cornwall, little did she know her life would change forever.

But 60 years later, that chance meeting has resulted in a long and happy marriage, a child, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

This Sunday, the pair, who now live in Bushey, will mark their diamond wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends.

Mr Pegler, 83, said: "After Margaret came up to me we had a little dance and after that decided to date.

"We’d go to the pictures or out dancing - she was just lovely."

After courting for a period, Mr Pegler approached Mrs Pegler’s father to ask for her hand in marriage.

According to Mrs Pegler, at the time her father had been using a cut throat razor to shave, but warmly gave Mr Pegler his approval.

Two years after their initial meeting, on August 2, 1952, the pair married at a church in Burdock, Cornwall.

Their son Paul followed in 1953, as did a move to Bushey in 1966.

Mr Pegler pursued a career with Colne Valley Water, while Mrs Pegler took a job as a civil servant for the Ministry of Defence.

A love of dancing continued throughout most of their marriage, with the duo entering several ballroom dancing competitions and winning numerous cups and medals.

But when Mr Pegler fell ill 12 years ago, he had to hang up his dancing shoes. Since then the pair have not danced together.

Remarking on what the secret is to 60 years, Mrs Pegler, of Normansfield Close, said: "When we moved here we only had each other, we really relied on one another.

"But the secret is give and take. Knowing what you both want from each other, knowing what each other needs, working together as a partnership.

"Bernard is a very placid person, whereas I’m more of a firework, he levels me out. "

Mr Pegler added: "I can’t believe it’s been 60 years, it’s gone so quickly.

"But we’ve had everything we’ve ever wanted and more, it’s been a very happy marriage."