A SPENNYMOOR couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this week.

Alan and Margaret Wilkinson met in 1953, at a dance at the popular Spennymoor venue The Rink, and became engaged the following year.

They married in 1955 at St John’s Church, Meadowfield, as Mrs Wilkinson, nee Tyson, was originally from nearby Brandon.

Mr Wilkinson was from Tudhoe Colliery and when they married they settled in Spennymoor and have lived in the same house in Craddock Street ever since.

Mr Wilkinson, 82, worked for the National Coal Board as a charge hand and fitter until he took early retirement 30 years ago and Mrs Wilkinson, 80, had various jobs but concentrated on raising son Alan and daughter Lynn.

They also have three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

In their retirement they have enjoyed foreign holidays and making the most of family life.

Celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday, March 26, Mrs Wilkinson said: “It is marvellous to get to this day, really nice to have made it this far together.

“Give and take is important, we have always enjoyed each other’s company and our family has been really good.”