DIAMOND wedding couple Audrey and Gordon Baxter believe a little give and take is the secret to a happy marriage as they celebrate 60 wonderful years together.

The Baxters, who live in Snowdon Place, Upper Stratton, met at The Heart in Hand pub, in Blunsdon, in 1953 and started courting soon afterwards.

Former Great Western Railway worker, Gordon, said: “Audrey’s two brothers had just returned home from their two-year service. My brother was friendly with them and they were having a party and I decided to go along.

“Audrey came in, there were no seats, so I offered to let her sit on my lap.”

Audrey was taken with her suitor but had a slight problem.

She said: “I had a good first impression, but there was an issue of me being with someone else at the time.

“But my family liked him and I thought that was a good indication.”

They married at St Leonard’s Church on March 19, 1955 and celebrated their diamond milestone with a family party at their home on Thursday. This was followed by a meal at The Bakers Arms.

The couple had one daughter Jillian, who died last year, two grandchildren, Jenny and Samantha, as well as five great-grandchildren.

To mark their special occasion the Baxters received presents and cards with the commemorative one from the Queen being a highlight of their collection.

Audrey, who worked as a sheltered housing warden, said: “It was lovely to get the card from the Queen and we’ve really enjoyed spending time with our family.”

Yesterday, the couple had another celebration with family and friends.

Their hobbies include dancing while Audrey also likes shopping.

Audrey said: “I think to make a relationship last there needs to be a little give and take. You also need to help each other always.”

Gordon said: “If I could do it all again, I’d do exactly the same. Although, of course, we’d have liked to have had longer with our daughter.”