A COUPLE who were engaged to be married five weeks after meeting at a dance have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Ken and Jean Young, of West Auckland, tied the knot at St Helen’s Church, St Helen Auckland, on February 12, 1955, and held their reception at the Top House pub, in New Coundon – the venue for their anniversary celebrations.

They attribute dance, bringing up their family and going on holidays as their secret to reaching their diamond wedding anniversary milestone.

Former fruit and vegetable shop owner Mr Young, 83, said the happy times had outweighed some tough moments but they had always been there for each other.

“Things always work out,” he said. “We have always looked after each other.”

When they met at a dance in Toft Hill, Mr Young was working down the mine and Mrs Young, 81, worked in a clothing factory.

They have four children Colin, 59; Pauline, 56, Nicola, 43, and Gary, who died suddenly three years ago aged 45.

In addition, they have eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.