WHAT is the secret of marital bliss? According to Colin and Casilda Bowles of Netley it is having a garden.

The couple of New Road have just celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a party.

For Colin, 82, the few stresses and strains of a 60-year marriage were dealt with his passion for gardening.

Colin and Casilda were married at St Edward's Church, Netley and they have been part of the fixtures and fittings of village life ever since. Colin served with the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War.

Then he went on to work as an aircraft fitter with British Aerospace for 45 years.

"You have your ups and downs," said ex-post girl Casilda, "but it is all about give and take. I'm over the moon to be celebrating our diamond anniversary.

Beautiful day "We've had so many lovely cards, flowers and presents and our children have been organising the party for us and decorating the house with balloons. I've been on cloud nine all week."

The couple have four children, six grandchildren and four great-children. Many of them will be among the 80 friends and family members expected to join the anniversary celebrations at the Abbey Parish Hall. Some are travelling from as far afield as Canada.

"It was a beautiful day when we got married," said Colin.

"Things are different now but if we ever had a problem we stuck at it and we are still very happy together."