SURVIVING six decades of marriage was never going to be a problem for former serviceman Len and his childhood sweetheart Edna.

The pair knew they were a match made in heaven as soon as they set eyes on each other at the age of 16 while out with a group of friends.

But the couple were torn apart when Len, aged 82, was called up for national service when he was aged 18.

As Len spent the next four years in the army, the couple's relationship grew by penning love letters.

Edna, aged 81, said: "He was in the army for most of our courtship but we stayed in touch via letters.

"If there was a spell without a letter I would worry.

"I would come home in my dinner hour to see if I had a letter and then there was the disappointment when there wasn't one there."

Len, who was stationed in Egypt and Germany, returned home in 1954 and he proposed the following month.

The couple, of Ash Lane, Winwick, were married in front of their loved ones on May 21, 1955, at Winwick Church and enjoyed their reception at Winwick Primary School.

Edna and Len Ball, who have always lived in Warrington, say they have had a happy life and count their caravan holidays as some of their fondest memories.

Edna worked for most of her life in retail while Len worked as a garage foreman for Warrington Borough Council for 27 years.

While celebrating their 60th anniversary on Thursday, the couple reflected on what they believe the secret is to enjoying a long and happy marriage.

Edna said: "I read in the newspaper a few weeks ago that 15 years is the average marriage which is a shame.

"We have always got on. We have had our arguments but we have always made up and normally had a laugh about what we have been arguing about."