A FORMER RAF fighter, who was parted from his wife during the war, is celebrating 60 years of marriage with a congratulatory telegram from the Queen.

Harry and Renee Gilbert, of Witton Crescent, Darlington, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Thursday with a family party at their son Barry's home in Balmoral Road.

The couple married on September 19, 1942, in St Mary's Church, the year Harry joined the RAF Regiment.

He spent four years during the Second World War posted in the UK, India and Burma before returning to Darlington a year after the war ended.

Harry, 80 and Renee, 79, met in Darlington town centre.

Harry said: "It was popular to meet up in Skinnergate and High Row, but we could not afford to go into the pubs.

"My wife and I spent a lot of time apart during the war but would see each other every four months.

"I don't know what our secret is. I don't believe in these people saying they went through 60 years of marriage without a quarrel. Everybody has their little bits of annoyance."

The couple have two children, Barry and Hazel, and two grandchildren, Daniel and Nathan.