Christmas is a time for family reunions but this year one Bradford family has more reasons than most to get together.

Eighty-four-year-olds Jason and Mabel Broadley, of Ben Rhydding, are celebrating today - 60 years after tying the knot at St Augustine's Church, Otley Road, Bradford.

But the celebrations will not end there for the diamond wedding couple because they share their anniversary with their son-in-law's birthday.

And son-in-law Michael Towler, 64, of Idle, will be celebrating his own 38th wedding anniversary next week on New Year's Eve - which is also his wife Joan's birthday. They married at Eccleshill Congregational Church, Victoria Road.

Former electrician Jason, who is now a healer at Otley Spiritualist Church, said: "I can't really remember why we got married on Christmas Eve. We had been courting about eight years so maybe we just thought it was about time. But Christmas is a very busy time of year for us - there are so many anniversaries to remember!

"We have known each other since we were 15. She was my first girlfriend. I remember we met at Lister Park at the first band concert of the season. She was with her friends talking to a group of lads and when I saw her I thought: she's the one for me!''

Daughter Joan Towler, who works as a Post Office counter clerk in Greengates, said: "It all happens at Christmas. My daughters don't like it because all the celebrations come at once.''

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