A couple are celebrating 60 years of married life today.

Eric and Joan Bates, of Haworth, will enjoy a family gathering to mark their diamond wedding anniversary.

The pair have known each other since they were teenage pupils at the same school in Haworth.

They have lived in the area all their lives.

Mr Bates ascribed the enduring relationship to “taking good advice from my wife”.

He added: “When we first met people didn’t really move out of the village much to find partners.

“We’ve led a very happy 60 years with the support of our family.

“I can’t really believe it’s been such a long time.”

Mrs Bates, 82, worked as a mender in Hattersley’s mill for many years.

She said a good marriage was about learning to “give and take” and also about not breaking up after the first row.

Mr Bates, 83, began his career as an apprentice draughtsman at Prince Smith and Stell.

He later became a technical manager and worked for Platt Saco-Lowell textile machinery manufacturers.

He was the secretary of his local gardeners and allotment holders association for 34 years and has also served as a churchwarden.

The couple have two daughters and a son, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

All three of their children still live locally.