It was a bit chilly when Anne and John Garside first met – but they were in an ice-cream shop at the time!

Anne had popped into the shop in Easington with her friend and John was also in there with some of his friends.

They got talking and hit it off immediately. They then saw each other again in a dance hall and a courtship followed.

The courtship led to marriage and in February this year the couple, who live at Coquet Drive, Peterlee, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Thankfully, they were able to celebrate pre-lock-down with a party organised by their daughter and since then they have been able to stay in contact with their family of three children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild via video call and even a wave through the window!

Anne says: “We have had a lovely life together and have an amazing family round us, so we couldn’t ask for more.”