LEADING an active life has led to 60 years of wedded bliss for Bertie and Esther Hartas, who were celebrating their diamond wedding today.

The Wilberfoss couple met and married in Orford, in Suffolk, but moved to York in early 1944.

Bertie, 84, is Wheldrake born and bred and met Esther, 80, when he was stationed in Suffolk during the Second World War.

Bertie took part in the D Day landings, and after the war had a number of jobs, including working at removals firm Pickfords and as a transport driver at York Hospital.

The couple have four children, Christine, Sandra, John and Peter, and enjoy the company of their nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Daughter Christine said: "They have had bad and good times like everyone else. I think the secret of their success has been learning to accommodate each other's point of view and leading an active life - mentally and physically."

Meanwhile, a couple who became sweethearts while walking with friends during the Second World War were also celebrating their diamond wedding today.

Bert and Molly Cooke, from Haxby, York, met while Bert was a Quarter-Master Sergeant in the Army.

Love blossomed when they accompanied Bert's friend and Molly's cousin on a walk in London.

They married in March 1943, and have a daughter, Janet, and a son, Ewen.

Bert, 84 and Molly, 82, moved to York after their retirement.

Daughter Janet said: "I'm really pleased they've made it. I'm glad to be sharing it with them."

The couple have two grandchildren, Eilish and Stella.

They will have a family celebration when son, Ewen, flies over from New Zealand.

Updated: 08:34 Tuesday, March 11, 2003