A LITTLE bit of give and take.

That's the secret to a long and happy marriage according to one couple who have celebrated 60 years together.

Kathleen and Derek Parsons were born and bred in Parkstone where they still live today in their cherished home at Pearson Avenue.

And yesterday (FRI) they spent the evening surrounded by their many loved ones with a gathering at The Bridge House in Longham with balloons, fizz and lots of cake.

Nearly 60 people were expected to turn out for the special event, where Mr and Mrs Parsons had booked a large room.

The couple first met in Poole Park when Derek cycled for the Poole Wheelers.

Kathleen was joined by her friend, Pam, and Derek cycled with his friend Stan.

The two couples were married within a year of each another - Kathleen and Derek being the first on September 29, 1956. Stan was his best man, and Derek was Stan's a year later.

Derek, now 84, was a St Joseph's Primary School pupil before attending Poole Grammar School. He began working in advertising for the Daily Echo in 1947 before taking two years to work in the Air Force as part of his national service, from 1950-52.

Though he was never deployed abroad, he trained away from home at Lyneham as a transport commander.

He returned to work at the Echo until he retired at the age of 56 in the late 80s.

Kathleen, now 82, was born Kathleen Payne and went to Heatherlands Primary School and then to Kemp Welch School. She was working at a solicitors' firm in Richmond Hill before giving it up to have children. Later she worked at Sylvan Infant School as a dinner lady and stayed for 27 years before retiring.

They have three children - Alan, 59, Mark, 56, and Andrew, 53 - as well as 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

"We have our ups and downs like everyone else but mostly we are alright and get along," Kathleen said. "Particularly as we both share the housework now we're older.

"It's all about a bit of give and take."