Tony and Julie Hall, of Mildenhall, who met through Bury Free Press lonely hearts section celebrate 30 years

A couple who met through the lonely hearts section of the Bury Free Press celebrated the 30th anniversary of their first date.

Tony, 63, and Julie Hall, 56, of Mildenhall, ventured to the Three Kings pub, in Fornham All Saints, on Tuesday to mark the night they first met.

In 1995, Tony had moved back to Bury St Edmunds after living in London, and took the plunge with a lonely hearts advert.

He said he was ready to give up and cancel the advert as he had not had any success, but on the last attempt there was a message from Julie in his inbox.

“I listened to the message and liked what I heard so decided to call her and we arranged a blind date,” Tony said.

“We had a good evening and at the end we arranged another date, and the rest is history.

“On that first date we were both very nervous, but we overcame the nerves by the end of the night; 30 years on we are married with a gorgeous family and we are still very much in love.

“We are not just husband and wife – we are best friends and soul mates.”

Tony and Julie married on July 21, 2001. Next year will be their silver wedding anniversary.

He said their best moments together include having their four children and soon-to-be five grandchildren, and taking them out for days out and holidays.

They have three sons, including their stepson Blake, who is 30, Alex, 28, and Kieran, 24, alongside their daughter Tia, 21. Their fifth grandchild is due in July.

The key to a lasting marriage is good communication and discussing problems to solve them together, Tony said.

His advice to others on how to keep a loving relationship for 30 years was communication, loyalty, not taking each other for granted and having a loving and close family.

“My only regret in the last 30 years is I wish I had met Julie sooner – she is my life,” Tony said. “I don’t know what I would do without her.”