NOT every couple is fortunate enough to celebrate 60 years of happy marriage, but for Audrey Bennett and her husband John it was almost inevitable – because it seems to run in the family.

The couple, who were both born and bred in West Malvern, have helped both Mrs Bennett’s sister Ellen Walker and brother Dennis Cottrell celebrate the landmark diamond anniversary in the last few years.

Today it was their turn, as they celebrated together and reminisced about their wedding day at St James’s Church, in West Malvern, exactly six decades before.

Mrs Bennett, who is 78, said: “I don’t know exactly what the secret is but it seems my family is very good at it.”

The couple, who live in Fieldfare Close, have two daughters, Susan and Christine, who live in Malvern, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“Our family are our main interest now,” said Mrs Bennett.

“We are very family-oriented and very lucky to have such a strong and supportive family around us.”

They were joined by friends and relatives from further afield last weekend when a surprise party took place for Mr and Mrs Bennett at Malvern Rugby Club, in Spring Lane.

“We thought we were just going out for a quiet meal with close family so it was a lovely surprise to see everyone there,” said Mrs Bennett.

The couple have lived in Malvern all their lives, with Mr Bennett spending almost 40 years working as a carpenter at Thomas Broad Builders and Mrs Bennett spending 14 years at Crabtrees electrical factory, in Spring Lane, and a further decade as a care nurse at Davenham, in Graham Road.