A SILSDEN couple who first met at a dance in Skipton have been married for exactly 60 years as of today.

Cedric and Ann Dowson of Airedale Mews were married at Silsden Parish Church in 1956.

They will celebrate their diamond anniversary with a family meal in Silsden this Saturday.

Mrs Dowson, 83, said: "We don't feel any different. We find it hard to believe we've been married 60 years, because it doesn't seem like it's been a long time to us.

"You take the rough with the smooth and if you're happy together that's all that matters. We feel the same as we did now as when we first got married."

The couple – who have a daughter, Julie, a son, Andrew, and two grandchildren – have lived in Silsden for 60 years.

Mr Dowson, 84, was born in Cross Hills and worked as a wood machinist and later as a weaver. He was also a retained fire fighter at Silsden Fire Station.

Mrs Dowson was born in Steeton, though moved with her family to Silsden when she was 10-years-old.

She has done a variety of jobs locally, including working in a chemist's, a butcher's, Silsden Library and as a doctor's receptionist.