NOT even a world war could keep Southampton sweethearts Ron and June Strong apart, and 60 years on they are still as much in love as ever.

They met by chance during the Second World War in 1941 when a 500lb bomb fell on Ron's family home in Park Road, Shirley, destroying it completely. He was then offered shelter with June's family in a small cottage in Baddesley, where the couple became more than friends.

June, now 81, said: "I was just 16 when I met Ron and he was 18. Our friendship blossomed, and shortly after he was called up to the 1st Army to fight in the war. I used to write to him all the time while he was abroad."

Three-and-a-half years later Ron returned from the war and the couple got engaged but it was not until 1947 when Ron was on demobilisation leave that they managed to tie the knot.

June recalled: "It was one of the worst winters in living history but it still did not stop us getting married.

"The snow was three feet deep and Ron's made-to-measure suit did not arrive on time, forcing him to wear his uniform to the Church of Ascension in Bitterne where we got married on February 8, 1947."

After the war, Ron, now 83, spent 40 years with BT, where he was affectionately known as Lofty' because of his height, and June returned to Tyrrell and Green, where she had worked from the age of 14.

June and Ron, who now live in Trent Road, Bitterne Park, say that the secret to their long and happy marriage is to stay true to one of their wedding vows, which was to promise to love and cherish each other, which they still do to this day.

The couple will be celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary with their son Christopher, daughter Anita and grandchildren Martin, Alan, Holly and Emma, as well as other friends and family at a secret location.