A FRIENDSHIP between two children growing up in 1930s York blossomed into a special bond - which is still as strong today after 60 years of marriage.

Mansel and Nancy Gardiner, who are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary, were playmates who became sweethearts, separated only during the Second World War.

The couple, who tied the knot when Mansel was on leave, say they were always together as children and "just knew" they would marry one day.

"We have been together since we were seven and eight," said Mansel, a retired engine driver from Tang Hall in York. "We were at different schools, but lived in the same district in Layerthorpe and played together. We were childhood friends. I realised I was serious about her when I was about 14. I am 82 now. She is 80.

"We have just always been together," said the gardening enthusiast. "Then we got parted during the war when I went into the army. We got married when I was on leave from Germany. We didn't have an engagement - it was simply a matter that we knew it would eventually happen."

Before Mansel was conscripted in January 1942 he worked as an apprentice iron moulder in York, while Nancy worked at Rowntree's.

"I asked to be released and was called up," recalled Mansel, who became a sergeant in the 124th Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, 411 Battery. "I served in this country on the south coast then went to Germany. I had 10 days leave in 1945 when we got married. We went to Scarborough on honeymoon. Then I went back into the Army and was demobbed in 1946."

The couple were married at St Maurice's Church in York.

"We had a lovely do," said Mansel. "A pony and trap went up and down, taking all the guests up Layerthorpe. Nancy arranged everything - even paid for the licence. I still owe her for that!" After the war, Mansel worked on the railway in York for 41 years, rising from a cleaner to an engine driver. Nancy worked at a glassworks in Fishergate.

They have spent most of their married life in Tang Hall and have three daughters, Carol, Susan and Lesley, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

They celebrated their anniversary early, on Wednesday, with friends and family at a reception at Tang Hall Working Men's Club, of which they have been members for 25 years.

"I have been looking forward to this anniversary," admitted Mansel. "I always knew we would make it."

Asked the secret of their long marriage, he said simply: "It is just about love."

Couple to renew wedding vows

WHAT began as innocent flirting on a wall at the end of a street has now blossomed into 50 years of marriage.

Joe and June Watson, from Lowfields Drive, Acomb, York, were celebrating their golden wedding today with a huge knees-up with family and friends.

They first met when Joe, 77, worked with June's dad and brother at a building firm when he was 19.

"I used to see him when I visited the site," said June, 71. "I also went round to his house to collect the football coupon and he would always come up to talk to me when I was sat on the wall."

The couple, who have three children, Michael, Julie and Paul, and seven grandchildren, were married at a church in Burton Stone Lane, but now intend to renew their wedding vows next month.

"Our love has grown as we've got older," June said.

"We made each other a promise and we've shown how love can last."

Updated: 10:48 Saturday, June 25, 2005