A COUPLE who met at work retired together at Christmas after notching up a combined 84 years service.

Chris and Anita Leeper, who live at Beaumont Park, met when they both worked in the laundry division of Huddersfield engineering firm Thomas Broadbent and Sons Ltd.

In recent years, Chris was business manager for the division while his wife Anita was his secretary.

Directors of the Queen Street South firm presented cheques to the couple, who also received travel vouchers from colleagues.

Mr Leeper joined the company in 1965 as an engineering apprentice and, during his 46 years with the firm, progressed to become sales engineer, product engineer and technical manager before being appointed business manager.

Anita, who has 38 years service, joined the firm in 1973 as a typist and later became secretary to the laundry division business manager. She worked for two of her husband’s predecessors before his appointment to the role.

The couple enjoy travelling with friends and are planning a holiday in the new year.