A YORK couple who entertained the troops during the Second World War have proved they are the perfect double act by clocking up 60 years of marriage.

Len and Joan Drinkel, both 82, of Westfield Place, Acomb, were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary today with a family party.

The couple both worked at the Rowntree factory in York, but did not meet until they teamed up to entertain the troops across the region.

Len was a stand-up comedian and Joan Whitehead was a dancer. Together, and with the rest of their group, they toured RAF bases with their performances.

After the war the pair returned to the factory, where Len formed the KitKat Concert Party, which performed for charity.

They married at St Wilfred's Church, York, and have lived in Westfield Place, York, since the houses were built, more than 50 years ago.

They have one son, Keith, 58, who is a television, film and theatre actor based in Brighton.

Mr Drinkel said: "I'll say what I said on our 50th wedding anniversary. I'm the boss of this house and I have her permission to say so.

"To get this far you have got to have good health, and a bit of give and take. And we are very much in love.

"We are just suited to each other - we are a double act."

Joan said: "We have our ups and downs, but we never go to bed without kissing each other. It's been a wonderful 60 years."

Their son, Keith, who used to do a double act with his father when he was eight or nine years old, said: "They were both entertainers and I've have gone into the professional side of the business with my parents' blessing.

"They were very worried about me at first, but I'm fulfilling what they would have liked to have done."

Updated: 08:55 Thursday, July 24, 2003