THE windswept Gorleston promenade may not always seem the ideal location for romance to blossom.But for Great Yarmouth man James Horton love was definitely in the salty sea air during a visit to the seafront with friends 64 years ago.

THE windswept Gorleston promenade may not always seem the ideal location for romance to blossom.

But for Great Yarmouth man James Horton love was definitely in the salty sea air during a visit to the seafront with friends 64 years ago.

He met Gorleston girl Enid Ebbage and the couple will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary next Thursday during a cruise to the Caribbean.

At the time of their first meeting, James was having a regular night out with mates, walking up and down the promenade while Enid was visiting with her sister Josephine. The couple were married at St Andrew's Church in Gorleston on February 18, 1950.

However, their courtship was hampered by Enid's strict father David, who expected her to be back home in Sussex Road by 10pm.

The regime meant she had to leave early during visits to the cinema and dances in order to catch the bus back to Gorleston.

She said: “Once a week we went to the pictures and we used to go skating, but I had a very strict father and I used to have to be home by 10pm. I never saw the end of the film… never saw the end of the dance.”

Another challenge to their relationship was former Greenacre School pupil Mr Horton's National Service as he was posted to Italy with the Army.

James, 80, worked for many years as a builder for Williams and Millicamp in Gorleston before retiring in 1961, while Enid, 78, worked for Erie Resistor and Las Palmas restaurant in Marine Parade, Yarmouth.

The couple have three children, Kim Plane, Tracey Ellis and Louise Barker, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

They are hoping to have a family party to celebrate their anniversary when they return from holiday.