A couple who were brought together through their love of swimming have celebrated their diamond anniversary.

Robert and Margaret Park, of Pakefield, marked 60 years of marriage on May 17.

Originally from Camberwell, London, Mr Park moved to Lowestoft in 1953 with his parents and met his future wife at Oulton Broad swimming pool.

He said: 'I was a good diver and swimmer and I won medals and cups with Lowestoft Swimming Club.

'Margaret was a member of Oulton Broad Swimming Club, but when we got together she came over to Lowestoft.'

The couple remember getting fish and chips together and going on a trip to the cinema as their first dates, having met when they were both 16.

At the age of 18 the pair got engaged, and on May 17, 1958, they were married at St Margaret's Church in Lowestoft.

Their wedding reception was held afterwards at the former Scotsman Hotel on Lowestoft seafront.

Their honeymoon was spent in London enjoying the sites and attractions of the capital.

In 1961 they bought their first home together in Pakefield and have lived in the same spot ever since.

However as a carpenter and joiner by trade, Mr Park has made many changes to their home over the years.

He worked in the trade for 50 years - spending 30 of those self employed - following three years National Service in the RAF.

In her younger days Mrs Park worked as a typist, before leaving work to raise their four daughters.

Now their family has grown to include eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

As well as competing in swimming, Mr Park enjoyed playing golf and Mrs Park played tennis.

They marked their diamond milestone with a meal at Sgt Peppers restaurant in Lowestoft, and were surprised to find on arriving that 21 members of their family had travelled for the occasion and presented them with a photo board.

Taking to Facebook to share photos from their special day, Mr Park, now 80, said it was a 'lovely surprise' and said 'I have the best family in the world.'

When asked the secret to their long and happy marriage, Mrs Park, 81, said: 'We always suggest things to do and we seem to agree with each other.'