A DIAMOND couple whose romance flourished in a Northwich canteen have celebrated 60 happy years of marriage.

Wincham residents Ann and Keith Brown first set eyes on one another during their employment at ICI, when Keith took up a job as a driver and his teenage sweetheart was a cook in the company’s cafeteria.

And after a few years courtship, the happy couple said their vows in Northwich Registry Office on May 17, 1952.

Winnington born Ann, who was just 17, and Weaverham man Keith, 23, then headed for the seaside in Rhyl for a day-long honeymoon.

Keith explained that the family soon re-located to Kent, after he suffered a footballing injury.

“I was looking for a better job with more money so I was driving for private companies,” he said.

“I played football on the inside right and broke my leg, so I was out of work for nearly two years.”

Ann added: “We were really struggling at that time and Keith’s parents came down to see us one week.

“They owned a guest house in Kent and said why don’t you pack up and come with us, so we went and lived in Cliftonville for 14 years.”

The Brown’s passion for motorbike and car racing also saw them travel the country to watch the sport, at circuits including Oulton Park and Buxton, and the couple said they also had fond memories of yearly family holidays at Butlins.

The parents-of-three, who are now proud grandparents to two grandsons and one granddaughter,moved back to mid Cheshire and have lived in their Hawthorn Walk home for the past 19 years.

Ann, 77, said they celebrated their landmark anniversary with family and friends at The Bear’s Paw, in Warmingham, as well as a card from Diamond Jubilee monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

“It was lovely and we really enjoyed it,” she said.

“My granddaughter is constantly uplifting us - she is a lovely girl and we are really proud of her.

“We are really proud of all our children and grandchildren, they have made our lives.”

And she revealed that there was no special secret to a long and happy marriage.

“We have had a great deal of ups and downs,” she said.

“We always get through them, but it takes a lot of patience.”