A Haworth couple who first met as partners on the dance floor are toasting 60 years of happy marriage.

Gladys and Leslie Ratcliffe celebrated their diamond anniversary yesterday.

The couple, from Mytholmes Lane, met during a wartime dance at Haworth British Legion Club in 1941, and were married at Haworth Parish Church two years later.

Gladys, 83, recalls: "It was a beautiful day for our wedding and we went to Blackpool for our honeymoon, which was one of the most popular holiday destinations then."

Leslie, 81, was born in Oxenhope and worked on his father's farm in the village and at East Manywells Farm, in Cullingworth, before leaving the land and working as a fire place sprayer for Trico.

"Although I did other jobs, farming is in my blood," says Leslie. "I still like to have a look at the old farms."

Gladys, a former mill worker, originally hails from Castleford but has lived in Haworth for most of her life.

"We used to both enjoy bowling and we used to go dancing twice a week but, unfortunately, we don't do that as often these days," adds Leslie.

"We've had our ups and downs over the years but we are not doing too badly for 60 years."

The couple will be celebrating their long and happy marriage with a meal at the Bront Hotel alongside family and friends.

Son Kevin, daughter-in-law Margaret, grandchildren Lyn and Andrew and the latest addition to the family, six-week-old great-grandson Samuel will be joining them for the party.