A KIDDERMINSTER couple who met at ballroom dancing school in the 1950s are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

Brian and Gwen Little, aged 86 and 78, married in Birmingham in 1959 after bonding over their shared love of dance, later moving to Kidderminster in 1972.

The couple put their hobby on hold to raise a family, but later took up dancing again when their four children were older, attending a refresher course with their youngest daughter.

"We absolutely loved dancing," said Gwen. "We did ballroom, Latin and American dancing when we were younger. Unfortunately we're too old for it now."

Gwen said the pair are "still going strong", despite friends initially telling them their relationship wouldn't last because of the eight-year age difference.

Since giving up dancing, Brian now spends his spare time gardening and fishing, while Gwen attends keep fit classes and has worked as secretary of Chaddesley Corbett Women's Institute for four years.

Asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, Gwen said: "I think it's important to stay friends. Never go to bed on an argument.

"Brian and I still say I love you every day and we still have a laugh together.

"We have nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren so our family definitely keeps us going and keeps us busy."

To celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday (June 6), Brian and Gwen visited the York Racecourse with family last month and enjoyed an afternoon tea.

The couple's children have also organised a family get-together at a surprise venue this weekend.