The happy couple, pictured, enjoyed a barbecue and garden party with family, friends and neighbours on a warm summer's day.

They received about 50 cards including a congratulatory one from the Queen, jewellery, flowers, and money which they hope to use towards a holiday.

They met at a rope work factory at Wallsend, Tyne and Wear. After courting for a year they married at St Mary's C of E Church there, in May 1948. They had a week's caravan holiday on the coast for their honeymoon.

On moving to New Ollerton in 1966, they first lived at Cedar Lane before moving to their present home at Holly Rise.

Mrs Thirlwell (80), was born at North Shields, Tyne and Wear, and went to George Stephenson Memorial School, Wallsend.

From the age of 14 she was employed at the rope work factory until her marriage aged 20.

In between bringing up her family, she has worked at Ollerton Picture House and Boughton Social Club as a cleaner.

She loves socialising and is a member of Ambleside Community Centre. She likes reading and playing bingo.

Mr Thirlwell (81), comes from Holy Cross, Wallsend, but his family moved to Wales when he was a young boy. Later he returned to the north, going to North Shields to live with an aunt.

After a spell in the Army and some factory work, he got a job at Burradon Colliery, Durham, and later, after moving to Ollerton, worked at Bevercotes Colliery.

Finally he worked at Thoresby Colliery from where he retired. For many years he has worked as cellarman at Boughton Social Club (Geordie Club) and enjoys socialising and playing dominoes.

The couple now have four sons and three daughters, 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. As well as their own family, they brought up their late daughter Ann's three children after she died.

The diamond duo say they have never had an argument and that is their secret for a happy marriage.