AN ACTIVE life is the secret to a long and happy marriage, according anniversary couple Terry and Kath Wilson from Escrick.

Mrs Wilson, 79, originally from Acomb and her husband, 82, whose parents owned the newsagents in Strensall, are celebrating their diamond wedding today.

They met as teenagers at a regular social group held at The Young Peoples’ Mission in St Saviourgate in York.

They married 60 years ago at St Mary’s Church in Strensall, with a honeymoon in London. They had three daughters, Christine, Joyce and twin sister Julie who sadly died in 1992.

The couple have six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, including Olivia, who was born on Mr Wilson’s birthday earlier this month.

Looking back, Mrs Wilson said: “My husband was founder of Unicrux FC and he played in a lot of local cricket and football teams.

“He worked at Cooke, Troughton & Sims on Haxby Road, which eventually became Vickers Instruments.

“I worked at Rowntree’s offices, after going to Mill Mount School. I then went to Leeds to teach and became headteacher at Upper Poppleton School.”

As well as travel, theatre and gardening, Mr Wilson is a keen golfer and also plays short mat bowls, while his wife is heavily involved with community groups such as the WI.

This weekend they will be joined by 50 friends and relatives at Fulford Golf Club for a celebration dinner.