TWO couples from York are celebrating today as they mark their diamond wedding anniversaries.

Arthur and Helen Carey, of Station Road, Haxby, met at a chapel fellowship, and married at Haxby Methodist Church in 1951.

The couple have three children, Robin, and twins David and Sheila, and also have nine children and one great granddaughter.

Sheila said 16 members of the family were gathering in York at the weekend to take Helen and Arthur out for a meal, which would not just celebrate their anniversary.

Helen, 81, said: “We got engaged on my 21st birthday, and got married just a couple of days before my 22nd. We don’t know exactly what the plans are yet, but it will be a nice surprise.”

Helen was formerly a handicraft instructor at The Grange, and Arthur worked as a motor mechanic in the village, then as a driver based at Hawkhills, Easingwold.

Arthur, 84, said: “I don’t know what the secret to a long and happy marriage is, other than to pull together.”

Helen said: “Give and take is the secret, and enjoying each other’s company.”

Also celebrating their diamond wedding are George and May Massie, of Bishopthorpe, who married in Lancashire after George was demobbed from the RAF.

May said: “We met at a dance six months after George had signed up, and he always kept travelling back and forth for two years after that to come see me.

“He was stationed in Tripoli for two years after that, but he came back on the Thursday, and we were married on the Saturday. Everyone said I was mad, but here we are, 60 years later.”

May, 84, and George, 83, agree with Helen and Arthur about the secret to a long and happy marriage: “Give and take, never going to bed on an argument, and keeping a close and happy family.”

May and George have three children, six grandchildren, and sadly lost one grandson at the age of 12.

They also have three great-grandchildren and said they would be seeing everyone for celebrations this weekend.

May said: “We’re having an open afternoon for all friends and family from Aberdeen and Lancashire at my daughter’s house on Saturday, followed by a barbecue in the evening.”