AFTER living in harmony for 60 long years, one Worcester couple are celebrating in style.

Frank and Joan Bright, of St Swithun's Close, first met in 1944 when Frank, now 84, was a train driver, an occupation he had for over 40 years, and 78-year-old Joan was a professional opera singer.

The pair celebrate their diamond anniversary today and are marking the milestone with a meal in the Guildhall tonight.

Mrs Bright said: "I've sung there many times. It's a beautiful hall."

The couple met when the Second World War broke out and Joan, then 16, moved from London to Worcester.

Mr Bright said: "It was one bit of luck that came out of the war. We've had a good life and an interesting life because of Joan's singing. She has done quite a lot of leading roles in operas and was one of the first supporters of Worcester's St Richard's Hospice."

He couldn't recall proposing but remembered winning Joan's heart just in time.

He said: "There was another fellow who had a soft spot for her. It's lucky I never met him because he was a local boxer."

Mrs Bright has been singing most of her life and after a professional career performing with Malvern Operatic Society and WODS, she taught singing to others.

The couple never had any children. Mrs Bright said: "None ever came along, but I've had children as my pupils.

"We got married when I was 18. There was nothing romantic, he just asked.

"I thought 'well, we'll have to ask my mum and dad'.

"It's proved quite successful. You know what we women have to put up with!"

Joan reckoned the secret to a successful marriage was give and take and "having time for each other".

She added: "If you've got a problem, discuss it."