A COUPLE celebrating their diamond wedding say "helping each other out" is the secret of their successful marriage.

Tommy and Eleanor Johnson, who were married at the Wesleyan Church in Stanley 60 years ago, will mark their special day with a family meal tomorrow.

Tommy, 82, started work down the pit at Roddymoor Colliery aged 14. He moved as foreman to West Auckland coal preparation plant, before managing Glasshoughton coke works, in Castleford.

He then worked with Dunlop at Wrexham, from where he retired as an inspector of materials.

Tommy was a keen sportsman and played full back for Stanley United, as well as cricket for Stanley, Crook and Peases West. He was also a successful referee for 20 years.

Eleanor, 80, who was born in Stanley, worked at Iceland in Wrexham for ten years and retired as a manager.

The couple had a son, Allan, who died in 1986, aged only 44.

The pair, who live in Howden le Wear, received a telegram from the Queen to mark their anniversary