Diamond anniversary for Attleborough couple

Being honest with each other is the secret to a successful marriage according to a south Norfolk couple who celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this week.

Bernard and Jessie Mallott, of Halford Road, Attleborough, married at St Mary's Church, Banham, on March 24, 1951.

Although the country is currently enjoying mild temperatures, the couple woke on the big day to find the village unexpectedly covered in snow.

Mrs Mallott, 81, said: 'It snowed that morning. We woke up and there had been a lot of snow and it was frozen. It was so cold in the church and the photographer could not make it.'

Despite Mr Mallott, 85, spending his childhood in Kenninghall and Mrs Mallott growing-up in neighbouring Banham, neither met until they were teenagers both working in Norwich.

Mrs Mallott lodged with a family in the city for whom she worked as a children's nurse maid.

Mr Mallott worked as a bus driver and first came to know his future wife as one of his regular passengers. He would later operate gritters and snow ploughs for Norfolk County Council.

Following their marriage, the newlyweds lived in Kenninghall but soon moved to Attleborough and have now been in the town for more than 55 years.

The pair regularly travelled to Thetford to play bingo and Mr Mallott was a keen gardener.

They have two daughters, Sandra and Nancy, as well as three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The whole family will come together on Sunday for a celebratory meal at Bawburgh Golf Club.

Asked what the secret is to a happy marriage, Mrs Mallott said: 'It's a give and take affair really and you have to be honest with each other.'