MAURICE Freeman may have fallen asleep on their first date but that didn’t put off his wife-to-be Megan – and more than 60 years later they are still going strong.

The couple celebrated their diamond wedding on Thurs-day after first meeting while out walking with friends in Worcester in 1949.

Mr Freeman, aged 88, had just been demobbed from the Army when he met his bride-to-be, Megan, 82.

They went to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Scala Cinema on their first date.

“She is absolutely marvellous,” said Mr Freeman.

“Out of this world. We’re devoted. “I couldn’t live without my wife.”

The couple tied the knot at Christ Church in Broadheath in 1953 and moved to Moore Street, off the Tything, before moving to Windermere Drive in 1958 where they have lived ever since.

Mr Freeman worked as a foreman driver for Pickfords and for GT Rackstraw among other jobs, until becoming a general manager for Underwood Steel Stockholders from 1976 until 2000.

Mrs Freeman worked at Frank Bryan’s Glove Factory, Bromyard Road, Worcester, before moving to the Worcester City Home Help service.

Both are keen darts players and played in the Hallow and District League The couple, who have a 54-year-old daughter and one granddaughter, celebrated their 60 years together with a party with family and friends on Saturday at the Prince of Wales in Warndon.

And when asked the secret to their longevity, Mr Freeman said it was a case of “give and take.”

“Since she’s had problems with her arms I’ve cooked in the kitchen,” he said.