A HOLMFIRTH couple are marking their diamond wedding anniversary by celebrating it in the very place they first met.

Irvine and Dorothy Brook, pictured now and on their wedding day, first set eyes on each other at Holmbridge Parish Hall just over 61 years ago, and todaywere returning with their family and friends to celebrate 60 years of marriage.

The couple married at Tong Village Church in Bradford on May 22, 1948, have lived in Thongsbridge for the past 42 years and have two sons, five grandchildren and one great grandson.

Irvine, 85, worked in the electricity supply industry for 46 years after leaving the RAF in which he was a pilot.

He was given the Distinguished Flying Medal in 1945.

Dorothy, who is originally from Bradford, was part of the Women’s Land Army for two years between 1944 and 1946.

Dorothy, 81, said: “We are both very excited for our party on Saturday. We have relatives coming from all over the country and even overseas from Canada so it will be fantastic to see them all.”

The couple will continue their anniversary celebrations with a family lunch by Tong Village Church on Sunday.

So what’s the secret to a happy and successful marriage?

Dorothy added: “Having fun and laughing. We have always been a very happy family unit who laugh and joke with one another all the time. Even at our age we have such an enjoyable life and we couldn’t ask for a better family.”