A COUPLE who met on the farm where they both worked as teenagers are today celebrating 60 years of marriage.

George Wright, 85, and his wife Shirley, 79, both lived in Fryton and after leaving school went to work on the Prest family farm.

Shirley said: “I was 16 and worked in the house while George was on the land and I used to see him go by on his tractor.

“We started courting and would go to the pictures in Malton twice a week followed by fish and chips at the Silver Grid restaurant.”

The couple were married at Slingsby church on June 22, 1957, and moved into a house in Railway Street in the village where they have lived since.

After their marriage, the couple continued to work on the farm and went on to have a daughter, Beverley, and son, Paul, and now also have four grandchildren.

Paul and his family emigrated to Australia 11 years ago.

Shirley said: “We try to get out to Australia each year to see Paul and his family, although it is getting increasingly difficult because of the long flight.

“We also both love bowling and doing things together.”

To celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary, George and Shirley are planning a Sunday lunch with the 10 brothers and sisters they have between them, along with friends and family.

Shirley said the secret of 60 years of marriage was spending time together.

“It is all about give and take and doing things together, although George also said it is doing as he is told,” she added.