It was love at first sight when well-known local sportsman Les Northern first saw his wife Kath as a leading lady in a local amateur dramatic production.

Today the couple who live in Barlby are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

Les saw Kath in a show presented by Selby's St Mary’s Dramatic Society, produced by Clarrie Soar. “I thought 'what a beautiful young girl, I want to marry her,” said Les, now 82.

The couple, who love music and both enjoy singing, later met at a dance at Christies Dance Hall in Selby, and after a 12-month courtship they married at St Mary’s RC Church in the town.

Les worked as a brick layer at BOCM and then on the construction of York University before working on the building of the chimney at Eggborough Power Station.

A keen sportsman, Les played football and cricket for the Selby O.C.O. teams and football for Selby Town Reserves.

He played snooker for both the Conservative and Working Men’s Club in the Selby League, winning the championship on several occasions. Now he concentrates on a round of golf each week.

Kath, 87, worked at the former Gateforth Sanatorium for a short time after marrying Les.

The couple who have a son, Geoff, daughter Ann and four grandsons, are to be entertained by the family with a party at a surprise venue.

Pulling together is the couple’s recipe for their 60 happy years of marriage.