DIAMONDS are forever for Gilbert and Christine Speare who have celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss.

The couple, who met in Bristol, moved to York 14 years ago.

An employee of the Yorkshire Insurance Company, Gilbert worked around the country for the firm, which became General Accident, before settling in Birch Tree Close, Strensall. The couple who were married at Bristol's Christian Brethren Church, on September 17, 1941, have two children, Elaine, 52, and Philip, 57, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Gilbert, 81, said: "We met through the church, in Bristol, and have also lived in London, Perth and now York.

"We came to York, after I retired, so we could be closer to our daughter, who lives in the area. For us, the secret of our long marriage has been a great family. That's helped us stick together.

"Of course, we've had our problems but so does every marriage. We have worked at it and that's why, 60 years on, we're still together."

Updated: 11:23 Tuesday, September 18, 2001