RETIRED farm worker Tom Wood is living proof that the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Mr Wood, 85, has been celebrating his diamond wedding anniversary with his wife, Violet, a former cook.

The couple, who met at a friend's house in Ripon in 1939, married the following year at a chapel in Marton-le-Moor, North Yorkshire.

They were joined by friends and family to celebrate their anniversary with a party near their home in Moor Road, Melsonby, near Darlington.

Mr Wood, who was born in Durham, said that despite a few arguments their 60 years of marriage, have been happy.

He said: "We've had a quiet but very enjoyable married life, and the fact that Violet worked as a cook for several years means I've always eaten well."

Mr Wood retired in 1980. Mrs Wood 83, who was born in Kirklevington, worked in Ripon and Harrogate as a cook, before raising their children Brian, Sandra and Graham.

The couple also have three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren