Newton Aycliffe couple celebrating diamond wedding anniversary

John and Ruby Maull, from Kirk Merrington and Leasingthorne respectively, got married on March 19, 1966.

The couple, who live in Newton Aycliffe, recalled where they first met and how their relationship blossomed.

Ruby, 80, said: “We met on the bus going to the Odeon in Bishop in 1961. We just started talking on the bus, it was quite natural how it happened.

John and Ruby on their wedding day in 1966 (Image: Nicola Maull)

“We went to go and see a film together, though I can’t remember what it was! The trip to the pictures was our first ever date.

“After the pictures we got the bus back and went back to where we lived in Kirk Merrington and Leasingthorne.”

Ruby and John, 81, got married at Kirk Merrington Church, St John’s, with Ruby remembering the day fondly.

The couple revealed the secret to a long and successful marriage (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

She said: “It was a lovely day when we got married, there wasn’t any rain. There were lovely blue skies, but it was a bit breezy.”

The couple have one child, Nicola, 54, and one grandchild, Niall, 19. The couple talked about having children later on into their relationship and said they were “really happy” when their daughter and grandson were born.

On their 60th wedding anniversary, daughter Nicola paid tribute to her parents, saying: “I am poorly and my mam and dad have looked after me all my life.

“They’ve took me on fantastic holidays and in general have been brilliant parents”

Sixty years of marriage also comes with a card off King Charles III.

The couple received their card a number of days ago, but Ruby said: “We have been saving it until today. We have not opened it yet.

“It is really nice to get a card off the King. I don’t think many people will get them, but Nicola applied for me and John.

“The card off the King will likely take pride of place over the other cards.”

John and Ruby with their card off King Charles III (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The couple have been on their fair share of holidays throughout their marriage, with holidays to Italy and Greece bringing back particularly fond memories.

“We had a lovely holiday to Rome and did a tour of Italy; we had a nice holiday in Greece,” Ruby said.

“We enjoyed them all, we always went somewhere different. We both liked going to places we had never been to before.”

John and Ruby were joined for part of their special day by the current Mayor of Great Aycliffe councillor Ken Robson and his wife Elaine.

John and Ruby pictured with the Mayor of Great Aycliffe councillor Ken Robson and his wife Elaine (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

And the couple revealed their secret to a long and successful marriage.

“Being kind to one another, looking after one another and happiness,” Ruby said.

“We do bicker from time to time, but I think that is just as important as being kind and looking after each other.”