SINCE they met in the 1950s, John and Betty Walters have been inseparable.

Today, the Darlington couple will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends.

After spending more than half a century at each other’s side, the pair are more in love than ever before, according to their daughter.

Linda Walters said her parents’ milestone anniversary came as no surprise to their four children, who have all been inspired by a relationship where they have never seen a cross word exchanged.

Wearing a dress she’d made herself, seamstress Betty Walters – who also designed her bridesmaids’ dresses - married the love of her life at the Wibsey Wesleyan Reform Church on August 25 1956.

The pair, who first met in Bradford, went on to enjoy a honeymoon in Switzerland and a marriage that would span decades.

Mr Walters’ work as a chief civil engineer with British Rail saw the pair settle in Darlington where they brought up their children, John, Paul, Stewart and Linda.

Their daughter said: “My parents are still very much in love, they’re best friends, a breath of fresh air and an inspiration to us all.

“They’ve never exchanged a cross word in front of us and their relationship is remarkable – they are like one.”

The devoted couple, both keen golfers and gym-goers, are now enjoying their retirement and will celebrate their anniversary with a trip to the Lake District.

They will be joined in their celebrations by their family, including their three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.