CHRISTMAS time is usually spent celebrating with friends and family, opening gifts and sharing a drink.

This has been no different for two Eastleigh residents, but for one slight change – they’re celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary first.

Having wed in the same place they first met, Ann and Bernard Chalk have been married since 1956 and have lived in Eastleigh ever since.

Their eyes first met at All Saints Church’s harvest festival in September 1953 and they were married three years later.

Ann, 79, said: “I’ve lived in Eastleigh since I was four years old and we’ve moved from street to street. We had a little celebration last Sunday with some family and friends when they came over and it was lovely.

“Eastleigh has always felt like our home so we never really wanted to move anywhere else, we’re used to it all here.”

Bernard, 83, who was born in Southampton, had worked as a painter at Eastleigh railway for his entire working life before his retirement in 1994.

The two received a letter from the Queen to congratulate them on their marriage which also took place at All Saints Church in December 1956.

Born in Andover in April 1937, Ann moved to the town aged four during the Second World War and spent her career checking authentic cheques, before leaving three months after their marriage to start a family.

Ann said: “I’m not too fed up with him yet, but I can’t believe it’s been 60 years. Things have gotten more difficult over the years – Bernard included, but we enjoy our life together.

“We have our five grandchildren and three children, one of whom lives with us at home and we’re very happy. It’s always been a celebration before Christmas for us every year, but we like to settle down and enjoy it.”