PEOPLE said it would not last, but Alan and Nora Hull today (Thursday, March 6) prove the doubters wrong by celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

The couple met when both worked at West Tool factory, in Bishop Auckland, and after just a few dates Mr Hull proposed.

Mrs Hull, 79, said: “I didn’t like his ginger hair at first but my sister, Marjorie, worked there too and said he was nice.

“We only went out a few times before he asked to marry him and two months later we were married at Bishop Auckland register office, they said it wouldn’t last five minutes but we’ve proved them wrong.”

Mr Hull, 85, added: “When you know something is right, it is right.”

The couple lived with family in Bishop Auckland before setting up home in nearby Etherley Dene and later returned to the town to live.

They have three sons, Alan, Stephen and Richard, a daughter, Caroline Walker, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mr Hull worked in factories in the Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor area and Mrs Hull was an auxiliary nurse at the old Tindale Crescent Hospital and later a council warden.

The couple love spending time with their large family, some of whom share Mr Hull’s passion for classic cars. He also enjoys gardening and Mrs Hull likes tapestry and has produced some to raise money for cancer charities.

The couple will go out for afternoon tea to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary today (Thursday, March 6).

Mrs Hull said: “It feels good, it is a long time together. We’re a partnership and we’re good friends.”

Mr Hull added: “We’ve had problems but always keep calm and sort them out together.”