A COUPLE celebrated their diamond wedding in style on Saturday by having a meal with family and friends.

People came from all over the country to toast Clifford and Elsie Nicholson at Beamish Hall Hotel, near Stanley.

They are both 78 and live in Elwin Street, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street. Yesterday was their 60th wedding anniversary.

They met in a textiles mill in Leeds more than six decades ago, when they were both 16.

The couple married at St Paul's Church, in Morley, Leeds, but just three days later Mr Nicholson left to go to India with the Army for two years.

Mrs Nicholson set up their home in Leeds and when he got back, Mr Nicholson returned to his job as a cloth miller.

The pair brought up their daughters, Karen and Susan, and moved to the North-East when they retired to help with their grandchildren.

Mr Nicholson said: "The secret of a long marriage is give and take.

"She gives, I take.

"Seriously, it has been brilliant. We have had our ups and downs like everyone.

"But we are so pleased with our family. You hear about the trouble some people have and we have been very lucky."

The couple have four grandchildren, Darren, Paula, Graham and Gary and a great- grandchild, Macy.