A couple whose love was cemented on a St Albans bus route more than 60 years ago have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Kenneth Sheppard, 84, and his wife Joan, 80, of Harpenden Road, St Albans, met while working on the buses in their 20s, Kenneth was the driver and Joan the assistant.

More than half a century after they exchanged vows, the pair celebrated the occasion in style with lots of family and friends and a telegram from the Queen.

People came from all corners of the UK to join the couple in their special celebrations, with more than 100 guests attending a party at a local hotel.

Upon arrival, the couple were surprised with an impersonator of their favourite on screen wheeler dealer, Del Boy - organised by their son, Pete Sheppard.

Pete, who also had their wedding photo blown up to life size cut-out, said: “The party took 15 months to organise, but everyone had such a good time.

“It was a really great party, we took over 25 rooms of the hotel and had a band singing everything from Nat King Cole to Elvis.

“People came from all over the country to join us, from Aberdeen, to Devon, to Cornwall and the Midlands.”

The couple were born and bred in St Albans, with Kenneth a well known name down his local pub The Farriars Arms, where he is the head of the cribbage league.