An encounter near London’s Old Bailey has led to 60 years of married life for a Cullingworth couple.

Victor and Betty Haydon, of Hallowes Park Road, are celebrating their diamond wedding today. They met when Victor was working as a police officer in 1952.

“I was at the Old Bailey when word went round about this manageress in the restaurant opposite being very attractive,” he said. “We went across and I said to her ‘Steak pudding and chips and will you marry me?’”

Despite Betty replying that she was “not on the menu” the pair married 12 months later.

Victor, 82, is originally from East London and has an MBE for his services to toastmastering. He only gave up his master of ceremonies duties two years ago.

After working as a police officer he, along with his wife, entered the pub trade, managing The Fleece in Shipley, and The Commercial in Pudsey.

Betty, 83, is from Shipley and initially worked in a mill as a weaver before joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a cook.

The couple have lived in Cullingworth for more than 40 years. They have one son, Gary, who is a captain of a privately owned luxury yacht in the Mediterranean.

They will celebrate their diamond wedding with a small garden party at their home this Saturday.