A COUPLE who married after a chance encounter at Ryde Esplanade in 1958 recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

"We got talking, then I said I'll see you in three weeks time," said Michael, 85.

"I was going to Canada with the Merchant Navy to work on the Cunard line.

"I asked for her number, and she gave me the Maypole number, which was a grocery store where she was working as a relief manageress."

Michael and Catherine Page, of Green Lane, Shanklin, tied the knot a year later.

Michael, born in Ryde, worked for the Merchant Navy for 20 years, before working at several factories, an air conditioning company and a hotel.

Catherine, born in Shanklin, worked at Ryde County Hospital as an auxiliary nurse, before moving to Shanklin Hospital when the former closed down.

What's the secret to their enduring marriage?

"Compatibility, we both like gardening, and reading, and we go out as much as we can," said Michael.

"I just put up with him for a long time," joked Catherine, 80.

"But I wouldn't change him ­— I respect him too much.

"He's not only my husband, he's my best friend, and he's someone I can always rely on."

Among their varied interests, Catherine has a penchant for history, knitting, sowing and crosswords, while Michael is a big lover of DIY.

The pair ­— who share a lot in common and have a tireless sense of humour ­— remain active in their 80s, and have a cruise booked next year to sail around the British Isles.

The couple have two children ­— twins Carol and David ­— four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

They celebrated their anniversary with a family dinner at Three Buoys restaurant in Ryde.