DAVID and Vera Ridley have known each other so long they cannot remember the first time they saw each other.
The couple, both 81, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this week.
They got to know each other as children living in the same street in Pelton Fell, County Durham, becoming school sweethearts.
The couple married at the beginning of the Second World War, when they were both 21. Mr Ridley had just been called up to the Durham Light Infantry and served in the war.
Later, he served in the DLI territorial army and Army cadet force. He went on to work at the Royal Ordinance factory, Birtley.
Mrs Ridley worked at the factory and has also been a bus conductor.
The couple, who have twin sons, are great-grand parents.
They moved to Chester-le-Street after the war and now live at nearby Great Lumley.
Mr Ridley said: "She says I'm her eyes as she's going blind and she's my ears as I'm going deaf.
"Understanding each other is the secret to a long marriage.
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