FOR Victor and Eva Skeet a chance meeting in Christchurch Mansion has led to a life-long romance.Mr and Mrs Skeet of Dunlin Road, Ipswich, marked their diamond wedding with a party for friends and family.

FOR Victor and Eva Skeet a chance meeting in Christchurch Mansion has led to a life-long romance.

Mr and Mrs Skeet of Dunlin Road, Ipswich, marked their diamond wedding with a party for friends and family.

The couple met in June 1937 when they were in the Mansion and a walk in Christchurch Park afterwards led to a trip down the aisle 60 years ago.

Victor and Eva were separated by the outbreak of war. Victor, aged 19, joined the RAF and in December 1941 he found himself posted to the Far East.

They decided to marry before Victor departed and the ceremony was held at the Ipswich Registrar's Office, Elm Street, shortly before the bridegroom flew out to South-east Asia.

Following the war the couple settled in Ipswich and Victor returned to his old job, working for the Ipswich Co-operative Society.

In 1983 he decided to take an early retirement, after working for the local co-operative society for almost fifty years.

Delighted by reaching sixty years of marriage, Victor said: "The success is down to luck. If you meet the right person, you get to know them and share experiences with them. This can lead to a lifetime of happiness."