AN ENDURING marriage followed an office romance for well-known Isle of Wight couple Terry and Alison Willey.

They first met in 1969, when Alison joined the solicitor firm that Terry worked for at the time, as a receptionist.

Asking through the tea lady, Terry plucked up the courage to ask Alison out for dinner... and she said yes.

Two years later, on September 25, 1971, the couple were married in Reading before travelling to the Isle of Wight to live.

On Saturday, Terry, 76, and Alison, 69, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

After working for various law firms, Terry set up his own law practice 27 years ago and now has three offices on the Island - two in Ryde and one in Bembridge.

Alison is the company secretary and for some years owned and ran a play school in Seaview.

The couple have three children — Mark, a solicitor and co-director in the family practice, Lisa, who lives in Cornwall and is a healthcare worker, and Paul, who owns a media company in Sydney, Australia.

They also have seven grandchildren and continue to enjoy travelling, visiting 42 countries over their 50-year marriage.

The couple spent their golden wedding anniversary at Haseley Manor in Arreton, along with their 83 guests.

When asked what the secret is to a long and happy marriage, Terry said: “Your wife must be your best friend.”