SIXTY years ago Fred and Margaret Hickman were going through the same nightmare which faced many couples across Britain.

Parted by war, they had to say goodbye not knowing if they would see each other again.

But for the Hickmans the bitter sweet goodbyes were all the more painful as they separated 24 hours after their wedding in March 1943.

As a member of the Pioneer Corps, Mr Hickman left for France and survived three months of perilous combat before qualifying for home leave.

But survive he did and, after a belated honeymoon in London, the couple moved back to their native North-East.

Mr Hickman now lives at Brentwood Lodge in Leyburn and Mrs Hickman lives in sheltered accommodation at The Haven in Bedale.

They were together for a surprise gathering for the whole family to celebrate their recent diamond wedding anniversary.