But she never imaged she would one day celebrate 60 years of marriage to him.

The couple, of Ennerdale Road, Rushden, celebrate their diamond wedding today. They met when they both went to a dance at Irchester School with separate groups of friends.

Mrs Knight said: "We took a shine to each other and that was it.

"We're still together after 60 years because we still love each other.

"William is always there for me and he is a nice, kind, gentleman."

Mr Knight, 87, ran his own company, Knight Coal and Haulage, in Avenue Road, Rushden. He retired at 65.

His wife worked as a machinist at Ideal Clothiers, formerly of Mill Road, Wellingborough.

The couple, who married at Irchester Methodist Church, have one son, Robert, who lives in Kettering.

They plan to celebrate their anniversary after Christmas by going out for a meal with family and friends.