A COUPLE are celebrating 60 years of marriage today with more than 80 friends and relatives.

Mary and Frank Allison, of Newton Aycliffe, are holding a party at the Raffle Club, in the village, with bingo, buffet, singing and a dance.

And it was at a dance that the couple, both 85, met more than six decades ago, when Mr Allison, originally from Shildon, was serving in the Army in Mrs Allison's home district of Kingsbury in London.

The couple married at the Holy Innocence Church, in Kingsbury, on March 3, 1946, and moved to Newton Aycliffe in 1952. "The secret of our marriage is plenty of give and take - mostly give on my part," said Mr Allison.

"It's quite an achievement - not many couples are married for 60 years these days," adds Mrs Allison.

After serving in the Army, Mr Allison worked for Bakelight factory and as a miner. Mrs Allison worked in The Laundry in the village.

Newton Aycliffe mayor Maud Gray will join the couple in their celebrations.

"We're getting a card from The Queen," said Mrs Allison. "I hope she remembers to put a cheque in!"