A MAN who met his future wife when they were teenagers has spoken of his luck at marrying his “guardian angel” as they celebrate 60 years of marriage today.

Dennis and Kathleen Leech, both 81, of Stamford Bridge, met at a swimming club at the Barbican in York where Mr Leech said he instantly fell in love.

They started dating at 16 and married at 21 at Clifton Parish Church, spending one night in Scarborough for their honeymoon.

Mrs Leech worked at Terry’s and Mr Leech was a police officer before becoming a warrant officer and then a sergeant major in the Army.

Mr Leech said: “The secret to a happy marriage is the word ‘love’. I love my wife as much as, if not more, than before.

“She is my guardian angel – I was lucky to marry my guardian angel and we are so very lucky we have our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“We had a lot of separations because of the career I chose. Every time I returned it was honeymoon again.

“I would do it all again. I wish I could.”

The couple, who have five children, 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, will celebrate their diamond wedding today with close family, and with a party with friends and family at the weekend.