THE best six pence ever spent is how a Worcestershire couple - celebrating their diamond anniversary - describe the dance where they met.

Ray and Irene Barker shared their milestone with family and friends at the De Vere Hotel in Swindon, last weekend.

But the couple, both aged 83, who lives in King's End Road, Powick, met closer to home during the war.

"I was based with the RAF at Hereford and Irene was with the WAAF," said Mr Barker. "My friends and I were have having a drink or two and went to the barracks where they held a dance every Saturday night.

"I remember it was sixpence to get in and that's where I first met Irene."

Soon after, Mr Barker was to be posted to Iceland and the couple decided to marry.

They tied the knot in Lancashire, near where Mrs Barker was stationed.

"We received one telegram that day," said Mr Barker. "It said just two words - 'Report Greenock' - and we spent our wedding night travelling by train up to Glasgow.

"My boat was waved off by my tearful bride the next day."

After the war, the couple left the services and Mr Barker's career as a journalist took them around the country.

He was a sub-editor at the Express - in both Manchester and Fleet Street - the Manchester Evening Chronicle and also worked at the Birmingham Post.

He finally retired at the age of 70, and they settled in Powick almost a decade ago.

They have two children, David and Joan, two grandsons, and one great-granddaughter.

"We are very proud of our children," said Mrs Barker. "And my great-granddaughter, who is four in July, corrects people if they call me her grandma instead of her great grandma. She's brilliant."

Mr Barker said it was impossible go through 60 years of marriage without an argument or two, but said compromise was the key to their success.

"It's all about give and take," he said. "Sometimes it's more give than take, but give and take nonetheless."

A card from the Queen, congratulating them on their achievement, completed their special day.