THE SECRET to a happy marriage is love and friendship, say a couple celebrating 60 years together.
Derek and Pauline Lawton marked their diamond wedding with a celebratory lunch and garden party with their family and friends.
The Almondbury couple married after meeting when Pauline was 15 years old and Derek was 17.
Mrs Lawton said: “It was love at first sight for us both.
“Love and friendship are the most important things in a marriage; talking to each other and understanding.”
“A willingness to give and take is also very important,” added Mr Lawton, 82.
Mrs Lawton, 79, wore an ivory silk and lace gown as she wed Derek, who worked at the BBC’s local transmitting station. She had eight bridesmaids.
She said: “It was a lovely day and the sun was shining. I was so happy to be married and have been since.”
The couple have three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Their shared interests include a love of cine film. Mr Lawton is a former chairman and president of the Holmfirth Cine and Video Club, of which the couple have been members since 1962.
They are also members of the University of the Third Age.
Mr Lawton was a serving volunteer for the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s talking books service - for 40 years. He is also a member of Colne Valley Probus Club.
The couple received a card from the Queen to congratulate them on their diamond wedding.
Instead of presents, the couple asked for donations to Kirkwood Hospice.
