Brian Sturt met Nancy Clark when they were both members of the Horsham Evening Institute drama group in 1952.

"We got together through singing and dramatics," said Brian, 73.

"She was the leading lady of the group and I was a mere chorus boy.
"You could say it started on stage because we began to play these parts against each other."

Nancy's family moved to Horsham from County Durham when she was young, and the two were founding members of HAODS, the Horsham Amateur Operatic and Drama Society, in 1955.

A self-confessed 'old Horshamite', Brian was born in what was the Alexandra pub on the corner of Queen Street and Park Terrace East. His father Sam was the landlord.

Brian loves to share his extensive knowledge of the history of the town, and said he was 'amazed' his wife has put with him for so long.

"I'm just amazed she's put up with me all these years," he said. "I do talk a lot."

"We get on very well together," said Nancy, 82. "I don't talk as much as him, but we just suit each other – we're different sides of a coin."

They have a daughter Cary, aged 47, and three grandchildren, Anthony, 18, Joseph, 13, and Olivia, nine.

They also had a son, Jonathan, who tragically died at the age of nine, after being hit by a car when the family were on holiday at Lucerne in Switzerland.

For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Friday's edition of the West Sussex County Times newspaper. Website users who wish to purchase a copy of the County Times newspaper but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01403 751200 and asking for reception. The cost of the newspaper plus postage in England is £1.53 which can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request.