A couple who have spent their entire lives in York were today marking their diamond wedding.

Leslie and Ella Pearey, of Deepdale, Woodthorpe, met through a mutual friend, when Leslie was in the RAF and just about to be posted to the Middle East, and Ella was the manageress of Jacksons cake shop, in Goodramgate.

After the war, Leslie worked as a mechanic and fitter in garages around York.

They were married in St Chad's C of E Church, in York.

The couple have one son, Keith, who worked at Nestl Rowntree in York before recently retiring, two granddaughters, Rachel and Dawn, and one great-grandchild, Jade, who is two.

To celebrate their big day, Leslie and Ella enjoyed lunch with friends at the York Bowling Club.

Leslie believes the secret of their success has been "love and understanding", while Ella thinks the recipe is "the ability to get on with each other - and we do so splendidly."

She said: "I can't believe it has been 60 years, the time has gone so quickly. We're now looking forward to many more to come!"

Updated: 08:51 Friday, June 29, 2001