A COUPLE who were childhood sweethearts have celebrated their diamond wedding.

Bob and Zelma Mills had been friends since the age of four, growing up just doors away from each other in Linthwaite.

They both attended the village’s junior and infant school and their families knew each other well.

When the pair were teenagers their relationship blossomed from friendship to romance and they married at Linthwaite Church on March 24, 1951.

After their wedding the couple remained in the village, settling near to where they grew up at Upper Clough.

Mr Mills worked for Mallinson’s as a plumber and electrician, while his wife worked nearby at George Mallinson’s mill as a pattern warper.

Mr Mills later worked for British Relay in Elland.

The couple have four children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mrs Mills enjoys crafts while her keen gardening husband judges at vegetable shows.

The couple celebrated at a ceilidh with family and friends at Marsden Mechanics Hall.