A GLUSBURN couple who used to work together in their own crafted knitwear manufacturing business have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Douglas and Irene Stone, of Green Way, Glusburn, were married in Godalming RC Church in Surrey, on March 31, 1956. Both were from the Godalming area, though Douglas was born in Newcastle and had moved south as a child.

In 1969, they moved to Craven, where Douglas started his own 'one-machine' firm making knitwear for fashion retail giant Jaeger, for Peter Clough Ltd in Haworth, and later for Muker-based hand-crafted knitwear company Swaledale Woollens, completing more than 30 woollen items a week.

For some years Douglas and Irene worked together, with Irene 'linking' the yarns to produce the finished knitwear.

Twelve years ago, Douglas was asked to produce a special sweater to be presented to Prince Charles when he visited Swaledale Woollens. They received a message of congratulation from the Queen on their big day.

The couple moved to Glusburn five years ago, and previously lived in Sutton-in-Craven. A party for friends and family was held at the Yorkshire Housing Valley View community rooms - where they help to host twice-monthly coffee mornings - on Thursday.

A celebration family meal at the White Lion in Kildwick was also held.

They have three children, Tracey, Julie and Jeremy, and four grandchildren, Sam, Anne-Marie, Joe and Brianna.

And the secret to a long and happy marriage? Simply "give and take," they say.