BOXER John ‘Ginger’ Docksey saw his chance when he was asked to take a girl out.

Daphne Jennins’ brother didn’t like the boy she was with so asked his mate Ginger, a known figure on the local boxing circuit, to step in – and he happily obliged.

Sixty years on, diamond couple John and Daphne Docksey are celebrating a marriage milestone.

The Weymouth couple, who live at Cobham Drive, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a slap-up meal at the New Vic pub on the seafront surrounded by their family.

They were also ‘absolutely thrilled’ with a congratulatory card from HM The Queen.

John is originally from East Dorset and met Daphne in Weymouth following his National Service which he served in the Royal Air Force.

They married at St Ann’s Church in Radipole which John attended.

Catholic girl Daphne, who attended St Philomena’s Convent School, also saw her wish come true as they also got married at St Joseph’s Church in Westham.

Daphne used to work in a betting shop run by Reg Honnor and Albert Wheatley in Weymouth and later worked at Marks & Spencer in the town.

She said she loved working with people and saw the staff as part of her family.

John, whose father Bill helped to set up Weymouth Boxing Club, was an amateur fighter who fought bouts around the country but turned down the chance to go professional on the advice of his father.

In his day job he was a baker and later in life he worked at a factory on the Granby.

The couple have three children – Karen, Kurt and Bernadette who all still live locally – as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

They say the love and support of their family has kept them strong over the years.

Daphne, 80, said: “I knew he was the one for me when I met him. The rest is history.”

John, 82, said: “Her brother Johnny said I should ask her out because he didn’t like her other fella so I stepped in.

“It’s worked ever since.”