A BROTTON couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this week.

Margaret and Maurice Dunn, both 80, met in 1939 at a local dance at Tithe Barn in Marske.

They courted for four years before marrying in 1943. During the second world war Mr Dunn was a mechanic in the RAF, working on Spitfires and on flying ships in Scotland.

Mrs Dunn worked as a cook at Lonsdale's caf in Redcar, and was head cook at Gisborough Hall.

They lived in Skelton in their early married life and have five children, 12 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Mr Dunn worked in the steel industry after the war and played for Warranby Football Club.

The couple's interest in ballroom dancing continued until four years ago when ill health meant they had to give it up.

Mr Dunn said: "We have had a wonderful life and have met some good friends over the years."

He put their successful marriage down to shared interests and compromise.

"It's got a lot to do with give and take, I suppose. We appreciate each other's points of view, both enjoy dancing and gardening as well as each other's company," he said.

"We like listening to war-time music, all the dance music, so we have a lot of shared interests."

The couple celebrated their anniversary with a party for family and friends at the weekend and a telegram was sent from the Queen.