DIAMOND couple Ted and Vera Sidders were working on a farm when love grew.

The couple, from Annfield Plain, met during the Second World War when Mrs Sidders was in the Women's Land Army.

They married 60 years ago yesterday at St Aidan's Church in New Herrington, near Sunderland.

Mr Herrington, 83, of Weardale Terrace, was in the RAF at the end of the war and went on to become a miner for 25 years.

He said: "I am very pleased to have lasted this far. Vera is just like me. We take things naturally.

"The family are taking us for a meal to celebrate this weekend, but we haven't got a clue where."

Mr and Mrs Sidders have two children, Linda, 59, and Margaret, 53, and a granddaughter, Susan, 30.

Mrs Sidders said: "It is a very special day for us. There are not many people have 60 years together.

"The secret is pulling together and just getting on with things. That is the only way you can make a marriage work."