A COOKLEY couple have proved diamonds really are forever as they celebrate 60 years of marriage this week.

Norman and Mary Greenfield, of Bridge Road, will mark the occasion today with their daughters at Brockencote Hall Hotel in Chaddesley Corbett before enjoying a garden party with family and friends on Saturday.

The couple's paths first crossed when Mr Greenfield was serving in the RAF in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.

In 1946, they exchanged vows at St Mary Magdalene's Church in the town.

Mr Greenfield, at that time, worked in the accounts department of a brewery in Birming-ham before the pair decided to settle in Cookley.

The couple have three children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren with another on the way.

Mr and Mrs Greenfield, 81 and 84 respectively, are avid gardeners and Mrs Greenfield now devotes much of her time to flower arranging at St Peter's CE Church in Cookley. Mr Greenfield was previously the treasurer and church warden.

She said: "I think the secret of a happy and successful marriage is patience and working together. They are the most important things."