A COUPLE who were teenage sweethearts will be celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary on Monday.

Norman and Nancy Barrett, both 81, of Bridge End Estate in Glusburn were married 60 years ago when the country was in turmoil because of the Second World War.

Nancy was born and bred in Glusburn and Norman arrived in the village from Lancashire as a youngster and they both went to Glusburn Council School.

Nancy, a former weaver, recalls: "We went to the same school but don't really remember each other. We didn't start courting till we were 17."

They were married at St Peter's Church in Cross Hills, formerly the Ebeneezer Methodist Church, and celebrated with family and friends before a three day honeymoon in Morecambe.

Norman who went on to work as a wool sorter at Hay-field Mills, was then called to Iceland with the King's Own Light Infantry and didn't return for 18 months.

In total he spent six and a half years away at war.

When asked about the secret of their long and happy mar-riage Nancy said: "We have both been so lucky with our health and have a wonderful family, we have a son and a daughter, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren."

Norman, who is a keen crown green bowler with the Cross Hills team, added: "We enjoy the same things like bowling, dancing, walking and gardening - we are a partnership."

The diamond couple will be celebrating with family and friends at Steeton Hall and are also planning a trip away to Scarborough in the future.