Diamond couple celebrate milestone

Gerald and Edith Tugnett were married at St Mary's Church, Sompting, 60 years ago, after courting for 18 months.

Mr Tugnett, who was 82 yesterday, was in the Fleet Air Arm when they met but left to work as a plumber for Paine Mainwaring, before setting up his own plumbing business, Tugnett and Co, in Sompting.

Mrs Tugnett, 78, worked for Lindfield Nurseries before the couple had four daughters and later moved to a bungalow in Lancing 36 years ago.

The pair, who now have six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, were joined by about 60 family members and friends at a garden party on Sunday to mark their anniversary, as well as a dinner at the Windsor Hotel in Worthing.

Mr Tugnett is a keen gardener and Mrs Tugnett enjoys knitting, dress making and seeing her family.