A COUPLE celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary said the secret to a happy marriage is to be tolerant of one another – and to be able to laugh together.

Malcolm and Margaret Laverick, from Moulton, near Richmond, celebrated 60 years together on Thursday, April 17 with a family meal at the Black Bull in the village.

Mrs Laverick, 83, originally from Hurworth, said she met Mr Laverick, 89, at a dance at Croft Spa after Scorton Feast.

Mr Laverick moved to South Lingy Moor Farm in 1925 when he was four months old with his parents, who rented the farm from his grandfather, and the couple have lived there all their married life.

The couple, who have five children and seven grandchildren, hope that the farm and Laverick Plant Hire business will remain in the family – and said their grandchildren were already keen to be involved.

Mr Laverick said: “The secret to our happy marriage is we are both tolerant and we don’t take offence.

“She is always calling me names but I just laugh. We get on together and that is very important.”

The couple, who were pleased to receive a card from the Queen, are looking forward to a large party at the weekend at Hedlam Hall, where they will celebrate with 109 friends and family members from all over the North East.

Mr Laverick said: “There will be people that we have not seen for years so we are looking forward to it.”