A FALMOUTH couple who attended the same school as children but didn't realise it celebrated 50 years of marriage on March 30.

Shirley and Dudley Watts, from Messack Close, first met at Fish Strand Quay in Falmouth, one sunny morning in 1952.

Dudley's father owned WSG Watts and Son grocery store next to the Grapes Inn, while 15-year-old Shirley worked in Oliver's Shoe Shop in the town.

Dudley, now 72, explained: "Shirley happened to be out walking. I thought, 'She looks alright - I think I'll ask her out for a walk'."

What he didn't realise at the time was that they had just spent years studying together at the Quarry School at Quarry Hill, without ever meeting - perhaps because Dudley was two years older than Shirley.

When they did finally meet, however, the attraction appeared to be mutual. "I thought, 'I wouldn't mind going out with him another time'," laughed Shirley, now aged 70.

Their relationship quickly progressed through a series of dates to the cinema and various dances, but before the couple could marry Dudley was called up for two years' National Service.

They married on his return, on March 30, 1957, at Falmouth Parish Church and lived at Hillside Road, where they stayed for 40 years.

Dudley worked at Falmouth Docks before moving to Evans' Cash and Carry, where he stayed for 32 years until his retirement. Meanwhile, Shirley stayed at home to look after their six children - Kay, Julie, Sarah, Mark, Claire and Tracey. They now also have ten grandchildren.

"Big families run in the family," laughed Shirley, who was one of 11 siblings.

In their spare time, the couple are keen line dancers and are dedicated members of the Misty Mountain Display Team, based at Mabe, with whom they put on many charity displays.

Shirley said that she and Dudley "go everywhere together" and put their happiness down to having a strong family and a "bit of give and take".

"I think we're honest with each other. The family are also good as gold and all live around here. We're happy as sandboys," she added.

To celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, the couple held a party for around 120 people at Penryn Buff's Club, asking for donations to the Radio Cornwall Charity Appeal instead of presents. They raised a total of £301, with Dudley adding: "We had a really, really good party."