THEY were childhood sweethearts and, after 60 years of marriage, the couple are still as in love as they were six decades ago.

Dorothy, aged 76, and Bill Elcoat, aged 80, are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today, Thursday, after reaching 60 years of wedded bliss.

The happy couple from Appleton were married in St Thomas Church in Stockton Heath on March 13, 1954.

The great-grandparents of 15 opted out of a honeymoon and instead decided to travel to London to pick up Bill’s military medal for bravery after serving in the army for two years, spending nine months in Korea.

When questioned about the secret to a happy and loving marriage, Bill joked that he didn’t know but quickly added that Dorothy was a great person and they he was lucky they have always been able to have a laugh together.

He said: “We never argue and we have just always enjoyed spending time together. There’s no secret.”

Their first meeting was in the village in Stockton Heath when Dorothy was aged 13 and Bill was aged 17.

The couple had five children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and are looking forward to celebrating the milestone surrounded by their family.