ERNIE and Peggy Hutchinson are a shining example of love at first sight being the real thing, because the couple are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.
Within seven weeks of meeting the pair decided to marry, before Mr Hutchinson, who was a Desert Rat and served with the Eighth Army in the Second World War World, was sent overseas.
Mr Hutchinson, 82, said: "It was love at first sight and I know immediately we were right together. We got married soon because of the war, but we knew anyway we would always be together.
"We are best friends and though we've never rowed we've always said not to go to work on an argument. Any problems can be worked through together."
The pair set up home in Mr Hutchinson's home village of Howden-le-Wear, raising two sons, George and Chris.
They later moved to Wolsingham, where they still live.
Mrs Hutchinson, from Oxfordshire, worked at the Ramar clothing factory in Crook. Her husband was a postman and crane driver and worked for Durham County Council's highways department for five years.
Mrs Hutchinson, 78, said family, including two grandchildren and two great grandchildren, has always been the most important thing in their lives.
The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary at home, and enjoyed a party at the Joiners Arms, Hunwick, on Saturday.
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