Romance for this couple started on the dodgems after a chance meeting in Scarborough more than 60 years ago.

Today Jean and Les Laverick, of Osbaldwick Lane, York, are celebrating 60 happy years of marriage.

They have two children – David and Susan – five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and another due any day. Their celebrations are being put on hold until the newest member of the family arrives.

Jean, 80, who worked at Singer Sewing Machines, in Coney Street, and later at Battery Service in Toft Green, said: “I’m happy with everything I have – my husband and family are the most important things.” The couple met by chance on a sunny day on Scarborough beach. Jean recalled bumping into a neighbour who was with a young man who caught her eye and romance later blossomed on a dodgem ride.

After they were married at Heworth Church, about three years after first meeting, the couple honeymooned in Torquay for two weeks.

When asked if Les, 83, who worked at Rowntrees until his retirement, will produce any diamonds, Jean said: “What do I need diamonds for? I told him no – but whether he’ll listen to me we shall see.”

Asked the secret of a long marriage, they said it was important to work as a team, help each other out and love each other.