A COUPLE who met as children at a County Durham school are celebrating six decades of marriage today (Thursday, March 30).

Margaret and Kennny Swainston, of Eden Road, Newton Aycliffe, were just 11-years-old when they first bumped into each other at Bishop Barrington School, Bishop Auckland.

Tomorrow (Friday, March 31) they will mark their diamond anniversary surrounded by family and friends in Newton Aycliffe where they have lived for more than half a century.

Mrs Swainston, 80 said: "We've had plenty of arguments over the years but at the end of the day we've stuck by each other. I still think the world of him."

"And I've always loved her," added Mr Swainston.

At the ages of about 15 the pair began taking an interest in each other and began making regular trips to the pictures and dance halls.

Shortly before Mr Swainston went into national service at the age of 18 they got engaged.

Following the now 81-year-old's stint in Carlisle and Germany, he returned from the army and he and Mrs Swainston tied the knot in St Anne's Church, in Bishop Auckland Market Place, on March 30, 1957.

With siblings, three children and four grandchildren, the pensioners believe their family has been integral to their long marriage.

"Family keeps you together," added Mrs Swainston.

The pair still go dancing now, holiday regularly and enjoy golf, gardening and shopping respectively.