Making up quickly after the odd cross word is the way Millie and Jim Cooper say they have reached their 70th wedding anniversary.

A family party with five children, 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, at the Haxby Court Hotel was today marking the rare platinum wedding anniversary for the two former Rowntree workers.

The couple, who live in Huntington, were married in St Cuthbert's Church, Peaseholm Green, and are still very much in love even though Jim is now 88 and Millie is 87.

Jim was an active member of the St John Ambulance Brigade for 28 years and the couple still spend their spare time helping to care for the arthritic.

"We have had a few squabbles over the years," said Millie.

"But when we fall out we always make up again quickly."

Jim joked that the secret to their long marriage was keeping Millie under control, but added: "Give them a kiss and cuddle every so often and tell them you love them. That is how you stay happy."

The couple met on Coney Street and their first date was a trip to the Picture House to see a "talking picture".