A couple who have been together since meeting as teenagers playing tennis and attending church in their small village are celebrating 60 years of marriage.

Ken and Barbara Shute, 83, and 84, of Rutherwyke Close, Stoneleigh, are marking the milestone today, August 31, with a buffet lunch for family and friends at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The couple have lived in the area for nearly 50 years, after meeting as youngsters in a village outside of Swindon, in Wiltshire.

Mrs Shute said the couple spent time together playing tennis, at bible class and by being part of the local youth group and married in Swindon’s Christ Church.

Parents to Richard, 55, and Tim, 53, grandparents of three and great-grandparents of one, the pair moved to Ewell Village when Mr Shute landed a job in the BBC’s research department, as an engineer, in Kingswood Warren. 

They also lived in central London and Bristol for his work, before returning to Epsom.

They have been involved with the Stoneleigh and Auriol Residents’ Association for more than 20 years and are both ex-presidents.

Mrs Shute said she does not know what "fatal attraction" drew her to her husband but "we’re still talking after 60 years so it can’t be that bad".

She added: "Marriage doesn’t seem to last now. 

"Divorce is an easy way out so it doesn’t have to be long-lasting.  I find that a very funny attitude."

Mr Shute, who racked up 500,000 air miles travelling the world as an engineer for the Radio Corporation of America, said his marriage has lasted because "we've never had a real argument".

He added: "These days you can meet far more people via Facebook and dating sites.  In our day, all we knew were the people in our small village."

Despite the couple’s names resembling those of iconic children’s dolls Barbie and Ken, Mrs Shute said she was not aware of the connection until 10 years ago.

She said: "Barbies weren't in being when we were young and we don't have any daughters.

"Everyone fell about laughing."

Mr Shute added: "It is not something we are happy about.  It’s just coincidental."