A DIAMOND couple who met by accident on a trip to the cinema have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Roy Pybus, 82, and his wife Edna, 80, of Shildon, met at the Arcade Cinema, in Darlington, when they visited it with their own groups of friends.

They began five years of courting, split by Mr Pybus’ National Service in Germany, before they were married on July 31, 1954.

Mrs Pybus, of Southlands Gardens, said: “We can’t remember what the film was that we went to see but it was love at first sight.

“We kept meeting up from then and it’s quite an achievement to reach 60 years.”

Mr Pybus added: “I can’t remember the movie as I only had eyes for Edna.”

They married at St Andrew’s Church, in Aycliffe Village, and they moved to Shildon the following year where they have lived ever since.

Former brick layer Mr Pybus was a member of Shildon Cycling Club who used to breed canaries and budgies. His wife worked in a furniture store.

They celebrated their milestone with a special anniversary meal with daughters, Linda, Susan and Gillian, their five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Councillor John Robinson, chairman of Durham County Council, and his consort Maxine, presented them with baskets of flowers and commemorative cards.