THEIR eyes first met across a crowded dance floor more than half a century ago and now Stanley and Pamela Jew are waltzing their way into a new chapter of their life.

The couple are set to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary today surrounded by their family.

Both joined mining engineering company Mecco – now called Joy Mining – in Bromyard Road at the age of 14, but they first met during a company dance.

“I worked in the office and Stan worked in the factory, so we only really met during social occasions,” said Mrs Jew.

“We were both keen on sport and we got talking and it went off from there – we’ve never looked back since.”

The following day the couple met again, but this time on their way to a hockey match in Bromsgrove where Mrs Jew came to her husband-to-be’s aid in his hour of need when he forgot his hockey stick for the game.

The couple were married at St Clement’s church on March 24, 1951, before setting up home together in Lambert Road and later moving to Melrose Close, where they live to this day.

They have two children, Gail and Dawn, four grandchildren, Gareth and Richard, and Natalie and Gareth, and have just welcomed the arrival of great grandson Lawrence.

Mrs Jew worked at Mecco until retiring at the age of 60, while her husband was made redundant when he was 57, but continued to work at Droitwich Auto Electrics until the age of 70.

Mrs Jew said she believed the secret to their long and happy marriage was enjoying each other’s company.

“Not many people get to these years,” said the 79-year-old.

“We’ve always had a happy life and we’re very glad we’re still around to enjoy it. The secret is just being happy together and sharing everything. We don’t go out separately very often.”

Mr Jew, aged 84, added: “We’ve had a wonderful time. We all have arguments, but they’re nothing in the long run.”