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The childhood sweethearts now celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary
Last updated at 07:52am on 31.10.07They were next-door neighbours and best friends from the age of two.
Today, as they prepare to celebrate their diamond wedding, Bill and Jessie Cocks can truly say that they found destiny on their doorstep.
Their childhood friendship blossomed into love when they were teenagers, and even being separated during the war could not break the profound bond.
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Still in love nearly 80 years since they first met, the couple are celebrating their Diamond wedding anniversary
As our heartwarming pictures show, the toddlers who gripped each other's hands back in 1930 are still holding hands today, 77 years on.
"We never did look for anyone else - neither of us has ever had any other boyfriend or girlfriend," said Mrs Cocks.
"I wonder where all those years went because I feel exactly the same as I did then."
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Young love: They hold hands as toddlers in 1930 - they lived next door to each other in Kent
Jessie Fright and Bill Cocks were born in Margate, Kent, in December 1927 and March 1928 respectively.
Their parents were best friends and the youngsters grew up running in and out of each other's homes.
They were later forced to spend time apart when Jessie moved away to work as a nanny, and they lost contact briefly when Bill's family moved to Eastleigh, Hampshire, during the war.
But they kept in touch with love letters and became engaged at Easter in 1947 when they were both 19.
They married in St Peter's Church in the village of St Peter's, near Broadstairs, Kent, on November 8 the same year.
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Jessie and Bill Cocks on their wedding day in 1947
Mr Cocks was posted to Germany just three days later, where he served with the Army as part of the peacekeeping force, but soon after the couple settled in Bishopstoke, near Eastleigh, where they have lived ever since.
They had four children and have eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
In recognition of their enduring marriage, they have been invited to join other couples at a service to mark the Queen and Prince Philip's diamond wedding at Winchester Cathedral on November 18.
Recalling the early years of their relationship, Mr Cocks said: "We were both the youngest in each family and spent all our time together, so it was a natural progression.
"One thing led to another until we tied the knot. While I was in the Army, we used to write to one another every single day."
Mr Cocks, who spent 38 years as manager of Eastleigh Post Office's delivery office, added: "I don't consider 60 years to be any great achievement.
"One day follows another and you just take each as they come."
Mrs Cocks added: "I do see it as an achievement - you make your vows when you get married and you stick to them."
The couple will celebrate their 60th anniversary with a family lunch.
