A SURPRISE visit from Durham Mayor Mary Hawgood helped make yesterday a diamond day for anniversary couple Kirtley and Betty Fowell.

Mr and Mrs Fowell, 88 and 82 respectively, of Framwellgate Moor, Durham, celebrated 60 years of marriage surrounded by friends who called at their home throughout the day, with cards and flowers.

And Coun Hawgood's visit, a surprise arranged by the couple's daughter, Christine Wallace, added to the occasion.

"We have had a fabulous day with lots of friends calling. We have had lots of flowers and cards because we didn't want presents. At our age, we have everything that we want,'' said Mrs Fowell. "We also got our telegram from The Queen.

"I have known Mrs Hawgood for some years and we were very happy indeed to have her. We were pleased she took time out of her busy schedule.''

The couple, who also have two sons who live in the South and in South Wales, and five grandchildren, are looking forward to a lunch party for family, friends and their bridesmaid, Marjorie Sawyers, from their wedding.

The couple met at Wingate - Mr Fowell's father was a Methodist minister there - and they have lived at Seaham, Sunderland, Gosforth and, for the past 38 years, in Durham.

Mr Fowell was chief control engineer for the former North-East Electricity Board. His wife was involved with the prison care charity NEPAC for 35 years and helped in prison visitor centres. Both are still active members of North Road Methodist Church and enjoy trips into the countryside.

Mrs Fowell said the key to a long marriage was "living a regular life, an ordered life. It is important as is keeping active. We have been very happy for 60 years. We have had our arguments but they have never been serious.''