Four best friends who married on the same day and live just doors away from each other on the same street are celebrating a combined 120 years of married life together.

Mick, 83, and Jan Jennings, 79, were married on March 22 1958 at Silver End Congregational Church.

On the same day, Brian, 82, and Bette Rushen, 78, married at St Nicholas Church, in Chipping Hill, Witham.

The four friends now celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary first met at what was Bramston School and are still best friends and neighbours living in Pelly Avenue, Witham.

Mr Jennings said: “I cannot say we have ever had any arguments, the four of us.

“We have had some really good times over the years.

“We always know if anyone needs anything - the other two are there.”

After their wedding days, the couples shared a honeymoon in London where they spent a week at the Hotel Royale.

Grandfather-of-four and father-of-two Mr Jennings said: “Whilst on our honeymoon, we saw Fulham against Manchester United, Chelsea against a Romanian team and we went to Wembley to see an amateur international.

“The hotel is not even there anymore.”

“I remember I forgot to pack Mick’s pyjamas,” Mrs Jennings added.

The fours have fond memories of day trips together to Walton-on-the-Naze, and watching Mr Jennings and Mr Rushen play for Witham Town Football Club’s first team.

Mrs Jennings said: “When we got married the announcement in the paper said ‘two Witham Town players get married’.

“Football has been a big part of our lives.”

Mr Jennings said: “We are all Witham born and bred. I have known Brian since I was almost a baby.

“When we were very young we used to have a kickabout in the road outside our houses.

“We used to go to football matches together and make our own footballs to play with because we could not afford to buy them.” Mrs Rushen, who has three children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, said: “I feel sorry for children now because they do not seem to have the fun we had, it is completely different for them.”

Mrs Jennings said: “We both have children who have grown up together and we are celebrating the anniversary with a joint party.”

Mr Jennings added: “I don’t mind admitting we still have arguments but if you can keep your health that is the most important thing.”