A YORK couple have been bowled over with the excitement of their Diamond Wedding.

Anne and Peter Littlewood, of Acomb, first met at a dance in 1948 in Rougier Street when Mrs Littlewood was 21 and Mr Littlewood was 18.

At the time, Mr Littlewood, now 83, was in the army carrying out his National Service, while Mrs Littlewood, 86, was working at the Terry’s factory making jam.

They tied the knot on Saturday, February 23, 1952, at St Wilfrid’s Church in Petergate.

Mr Littlewood, who has been the chairman of York Bowls Club for the past 15 years, said: “Bowls has been our shared passion. We love it and have played it for years.

“I introduced my wife to the sport, and I still play it now.”

Mr Littlewood worked at the carriageworks for 43 years but retired at 58, with his wife retiring from her job in retail two months later.

The couple, who have two daughters and a son, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren, have planned a meal with family and friends at York Bowls club to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

“I have enjoyed everything I have had,” said Mrs Littlewood, “We have had a very good life together.”

When asked about the secret to a successful marriage, Mr Littlewood said: “I think it is about helping each other and talking about things.”