THE run-up to Christmas has been a particularly busy and enjoyable time for Skipton couple Jim and Janet Aldham as they have just celebrated 60 years of marriage.

The pair, who exchanged vows at Keighley's Holy Trinity Church on December 17, 1955, were joined by more than 60 family and friends for their diamond wedding party at Skipton's RAFA Club on Saturday.

And before that, on their big day last Thursday, they joined in with a special Christmas lunch at the club and travelled to an overnight stay in Leeds on Friday, which was also Mr Aldham's birthday.

Mrs Aldham, born and bred in Keighley, said: "When we married some said it wouldn't last – I was 18 and Jim was 21 the next day. But here we are 60 years on and still together! I don't know where all that time has gone."

The couple, of Moorview Way, met at a dance in Keighley Mechanics Institute, when Mr Aldham won the toss of a coin with another man to escort his future wife to the bus stop!

Mr Aldham trained as a mechanic and, very shortly after marrying, was called up to the Army for his national service, which had been deferred while he did his apprenticeship.

He spent two years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

He said: "I enjoyed the Army – we were left to get on with the job most of the time. I hoped to see some of the world but the furthest I got was North Wales."

After the Army, Mr Aldham worked for his father's haulage business in Skipton before branching out on his own in 1970. For a time he delivered copies of the Craven Herald to newsagents.

The couple, who lived at Snaygill for 35 years, have three children – Susan, Richard and Libby – five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, 20-month-old Bonnie Mae.

As well as bringing up their family, Mrs Aldham was a keen dancer and was choreographer for many years for groups in Keighley and Sutton.

She has always liked to sing, too, and still performs regularly with the Leeds-based community choir Inspiration.

And the secret of a long and happy marriage? There isn't one, says Mr Aldham. She added: "I don't believe anyone who says they've never had a cross word, but we've always been good friends and we've always enjoyed each other's company."