A COUPLE are celebrating 60 years of happy marriage after falling in love at first sight.
Ron and Chris Cooper, of Grimsby, met at a Christmas party in 1948, an event which left Chris knowing she would marry Ron.
Chris said: "Ron walked me home afterwards.
"The next night we went out and my friend walked me home. I turned to her and said I am going to marry him, and she told me not to be daft.
"Now here we are – celebrating our 60th year together.
"Ron was always late. Every date we went on he would be late for it, yet he was always on time for his football!
"We courted for about six years before we married at the Holy Trinity Church, in Loughborough.
"We spent our honeymoon in Scarborough and just like our wedding day, it was boiling hot.
"I don't really enjoy the beach but we both liked looking around and taking in the beautiful surroundings.
"We also enjoy browsing antique shops, which is why there are so many bits in the house.
"Every time someone comes round and shows an interest in something, I tell them to take it away."
Ron said: "I really like sports, especially when it's on the telly.
"I used to run a lot. I ran the London Marathon in 1986 and I still hold a faster time than my grandson.
"Now we are very happy to relax and spend time in the garden."
Chris added: "He spends a lot of his time in the allotment and I am happy to relax here.
"I think that is what is key to a long, happy marriage. Being able to get on and not arguing.
"The most important thing, however, is making sure the last thing you say to each other every night is I love you.
"Even if you are apart always call and say it.
"We think it is quite an achievement to reach 60 years and according to the card, so does the Queen."
Ron added: "It was nice to get the card, but I don't know how she knew about our anniversary – she didn't even put any money in it!"
