A SHERIFF Hutton couple are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary tomorrow (Thursday), surrounded by family and friends.

George and Doreen Will, who are both 80, met each other at a dance, while George was in the RAF at Linton-on-Ouse and Doreen worked at Terry’s of York.

Doreen, originally from York, soon caught the eye of George who grew up in Aberdeen.

Unknowingly to George, a dare set by his RAF friends to ask Doreen for a dance resulted in a wedding at St Barnabas Church in Leeman Road and a reception in Rougier Street in York.

While George was serving in the RAF, the couple travelled to places such as Holland, Wales, Warwickshire and Coventry.

Doreen said: “The secret to a happy marriage? Saying I love you every day.

“Always be caring and always explain things, even if the other may not understand sometimes.”

George added: “Never going to bed during an argument.”

The couple, who have two children, Sue and Ian, from Huttons Ambo and Strensall, eventually retired to Sheriff Hutton.

Sue Kershaw, George and Doreen’s daughter, said: “I am so proud of mum and dad.

“They have been a great example to me and my brother on marriage: tell one another that you love each other every day and always talk things through.

“We are going to celebrate with an intimate family gathering on their special day “They do not like a big fuss, but we will make it special.”