A COUPLE who met on a cold snowy night are now basking in the warm glow of 60 years of happy marriage.

Gordon, aged 85, and Dora Portman, 84, of Lapal Close, St John’s, Worcester, are celebrating their diamond wedding today.

The couple met four years before they wed when their paths crossed at Bransford station.

Mr Portman, who had just left the Fleet Air Arm, offered to walk Mrs Portman, then a nursemaid for a family in Leigh Sinton, home and romance blossomed.

The couple tied the knot at Leigh Church on October 6, 1951, and enjoyed a reception at Leigh Hurst School followed by a honeymoon in Aberystwyth, Wales.

They first lived together at Rushwick, where their eldest son Andrew was born, before moving to Cotheridge.

It was here that they welcomed the arrival of three more children – Terry, Colin and Gillian.

After eight years, the couple moved to Lower Broadheath where they lived happily for a further 32 years and have now settled in St John’s.

In his retirement, former roofer, shop worker and factory worker, Mr Portman was a volunteer driver for Worcester Wheels for 13 years and the couple are members of the Leigh and District Royal British Legion.

In the past, they have enjoyed church bell ringing and exhibiting model fairground organs which were handmade by Mr Portman.

They are also members of the Phoenix House Friends Association – a home for people with learning difficulties where their daughter Gillian has been a resident for the past 25 years.

The couple celebrated their anniversary with their family, including their six grandchildren and two great grandchildren, with a party at Claines Royal British Legion Club.

Speaking of their lasting marriage, Mr Port-man said: “I think the secret is understanding each other. You have got to give and take.

“The party was smashing. It’s not that often you have 42 people of the same family all together in one room.”