A couple celebrated more than half a century worth of memories as they renewed their vows at the same church that they were married in.

Ilford Recorder: Betty and Phil celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary renewing their vows at St Albans Parish Church.Betty and Phil celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary renewing their vows at St Albans Parish Church. (Image: Archant)

Betty, 78, and Phil, 81, Milburn, of Clements Road, Ilford, enjoyed their 60th wedding anniversary at the St Alban’s parish church, in Albert Road, Ilford, the same church they tied the knot in, all them years ago.

She said: “We felt it would be a great way to remember our special day and to mark it as a very important stepping stone not only in our marriage but in our lives.”

The pair originally met when they were children but drifted apart until they once again rekindled their friendship when they were teens.

Betty said: “The attraction was there that’s for sure. He was quite a good looking boy.”

The couple were engaged when they were still in their teens and went on to marry when he was 21 and she was just 18-years-old.

But 60 years later, Betty and Phil’s relationship is stronger than ever, as they renewed their vows with Father Stuart at the church where they first made that commitment.

She said: “It’s been a wonderful 60 years and I hope to have many more together.”