A COUPLE who have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary met in the dark and didn’t see each other in daylight until their first date!

Lily and Mervyn Hunt met in the gloom of Southampton’s Classic cinema during Walt Disney’s Fantasia in 1944.

After the film the pair, both then 17, stepped out into the blackout and Mervyn escorted Lily home. Their next meeting was in daylight in Shirley Road, near Shaw’s the hairdressers, where Lily was serving her apprenticeship.

Mervyn began his national service in 1944 and proposed during his leave the following year.

After he served two-and-a-half years in Italy, the couple married at Freemantle Church.

Mervyn spent 40 years working as a toolroom machinist with Shirley Tools & Engineering, retiring in 1990.

The couple have a son, a daughter, three grandsons and one granddaughter, and have lived in the same bungalow in North Baddesley for more than 50 years.

Lily was a dining room assistant at North Baddesley Infant School for 16 years, and has served as president of North Baddesley WI.

Mervyn was a founder member of the North Baddesley Residents and Community Associations.

He also helped to start North Baddesley’s wine circle, art group and camera club, and served on North Baddesley Parish Council.

At their celebration in Crosfield Hall, Romsey. the couple raised £365 for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance instead of receiving gifts.