When a "china doll" met a "scruffy man covered in straw" marriage was the farthest thing from either of their minds.

But Helston couple Noel and Margaret Stuart proved even themselves wrong and have now celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary after 60 years of marriage.

Well known retired vet Noel met his future bride on the Isle of Man, where he was born and raised.

Then a veterinary student, he returned home to find Margaret visiting mother Winifred, having known his elder brother who had died in the army.

Noel, who lives with Margaret in Tenderah Road, recalled: "I took a look at this attractive girl, immaculately dressed, not a hair out of place and said, 'That's a china doll that will break.'

"She took one look at me, arrived covered in straw, and said, 'I didn't know Mrs Stuart had a scruffy small son as well'."

He admitted that marriage "never even crossed my mind" but as Margaret continued to visit his mother, and Noel walked her home afterwards, a friendship blossomed.

They were then separated, however, when Noel went to college in Dublin and Margaret moved to South Africa to teach for three years.

She returned for his graduation ceremony, a "gorgeous blonde," and the pair went on holiday straight afterwards where Noel "almost proposed". She then followed him to Leicestershire where his first job was and soon afterwards they were engaged. They married on August 23, 1956 at St Luke's Church in Fornby, Lancashire, where Margaret grew up.

There followed two years on the Isle of Man, three years in Canada and Tavistock before moving to Helston in 1968. During this time they had three children, Donal, Alison and Kathleen and now also have ten grandchildren.

Noel began work at Head and Head, becoming a partner of the practice where he remained for the rest of his career, retiring in 1994 due to niggling injuries sustained over his time as a vet, including spinal arthritis from being tossed by a bull.

Although main a large animal vet, he counts among his most unusual patients Daisy the alligator, who used to live in a tin bath in the kitchen of elderly Mrs Roberts at Tregarne Mill near Porthallow.

A former film star who appeared in films such as In the Doghouse alongside Leslie Phillips and Hattie Jacques, 8ft long Daisy - who was originally named Peter before laying an egg, suggesting a different gender - was given the run of the house and garden but had to be force fed food by Noel during the colder months.

Noel has written three books documenting some of the more unusual and amusing experiences of his career.

During their moves around the country Margaret continued teaching, finishing with two years at Helston Secondary Modern before moving to work at Helston Library for a time. She also helped with the Helston Girl Guides.

After retirement, Margaret was able to spend more time on her art and embroidery, while Noel continued his involvement with Helston Rotary Club, which he joined in 1969, becoming president at one stage.

Noel summed up their time together through the words on one of their 60 anniversary cards - "A life of bliss."

He added: "We have never fought, never squabbled - occasionally turned our back and walked away while we composed ourselves and kicked the cat. She's perfection."