DIAMOND couple Maurice and Jean Allen celebrated 60 years of marriage by reliving the centrepiece of their wedding day.

The Allens, who retired to Minehead in 2001, marked their special anniversary last Thursday by renewing their wedding vows.

But the ceremony, which took place at Mamsey House nursing home in Williton where Jean is convalescing after knee surgery, was a total surprise.

The couple thought Minehead vicar the Rev Penny Dobbin was simply coming along to give a blessing.

"But we had the whole ceremony again, which included agreeing to take each other as husband and wife and blessing the rings," said Maurice.

"It was perfect - you couldn't have asked for a better day."

The ceremony was followed by a party attended by many of the couple's friends and neighbours, as well as residents from the nursing home.

And one of the highlights of the celebrations was a two-tier anniversary cake.

The couple first met at a speedway stadium in Aldershot, close to where Jean lived with her family, with a shared love of the sport sealing their friendship.

After a four-year courtship, Maurice finally walked his bride down the aisle at St Peter's Church in Ash, near Aldershot on March 13, 1954, followed by a honeymoon in Guernsey.

Three years later the couple's son Richard was born and the growing family currently stands at three grandsons and one great grandson.

Maurice, now 84, who spent most of his working life as a fitter in the heavy plant industry, and 80-year-old Jean - a corsetiere before her marriage - lived in Berkshire before their retirement, where Maurice came from and where their son still lives.

"But we had always said we would like a bungalow by the sea - and that's what we've got," said Maurice.

"We've joined various clubs and organisations over the years, including the Royal British Legion and the bowling club, and we've been very happy in our retirement."

Photo: Steve Guscott