A SILSDEN couple are celebrating 60 years of marriage.

And among the congratulatory messages received by Joseph and Norma Galvin was a card from the Queen.

The couple tied the knot at St John's Church in Norma's native Ingrow.

"We met when I started playing cricket for Devonshire Street youth club in Keighley – Norma was a member there," said retired accountant Joseph, 84.

"I asked her out to a Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra concert. That was our first date."

Joseph was brought up in Silsden and he and Norma, 81, a former infant teacher, moved extensively around the country after their marriage.

But they settled back in this area in 1993.

Although a qualified accountant, Joseph held various posts during his working life, including managing director of a paper manufacturing company.

His interests include gardening and genealogy.

Norma latterly worked at the former Cullingworth First School, from where she retired in 1994.

She loves cross stitch, and was a member of the Grassington Embroiderers Guild.

The couple – who live at Dradishaw Road – have five children, plus grandchildren and great grandchildren.

They will be having a celebration with extended family and friends later this month at The Priest’s House, Barden Tower.