IT is not your typical love story after a fateful meeting at the Bell Hall in Orford in 1952.

But childhood sweethearts Margaret, 79, and George Chadwick, 80, have proved that laughter is all you need to survive the test of time.

The couple, of Birtles Road, Orford, first met while attending one of the weekly dances at the hall on Orford Lane.

George, then age 17, was dressed in his dad's brown-coloured suit and had brought along his pet mouse to the event while 16-year-old Margaret was more interested in having fun with her friends.

But after their first meeting, their friendship quickly grew into romance before getting engaged just before George joined the army in January 1953.

But after three years in the forces, George and Margaret married on February 4, 1956 at St Margaret's Church in Orford.

"It was snowing outside and it was freezing cold because there was no heating.

"Everyone ended up with the flu but we all had a great time," said Margaret.

The couple, who had three children, went on to enjoy a four-day honeymoon in Blackpool before returning to their hometown of Warrington.

To celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary today, Thursday, the couple will be celebrating with their friends and family with plans to carry on the festivities when they fly to America to see their son, David, and his family later this year.

"It's my granddaughter's wedding so we will certainly have a few drinks there," said Margaret, who has six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

While a sense of humour has been one of the secrets to a long and happy marriage, Margaret believes they were the perfect match.

She said: “We still argue but the key is to not let anyone make you change and not to give in.

“We both had a stroke 10 years apart and we lost the use in my left arm and his right arm so we are a perfect match. They say two halves make a whole."