HAVING a laugh together and not keeping your feelings bottled up are the secrets to a successful marriage, according to a Lane End couple who celebrated 60 years together this week.

Family and friends of Guy and Brenda Hogg celebrated the couple's diamond wedding anniversary with a party on Saturday.

They first met at a dance at the village hall in Lane End, tied the knot two years later and have been together in the village ever since.

Brenda was 16 when she first met her future husband, having just moved to the village from Frieth.

But she said: "Was it love at first sight? It was a long time ago to remember, really."

Guy said: "I've lived in Lane End all my life. I was born in Lane End and we got married in the church."

Asked for the secret to 60 years together, the 82-year-old said: "Having a laugh together. We always take the mickey out of each other.

"We're lucky we've got a good family."

Brenda, 78, added: "You've got to be fair with each other and not bottle things up - say what you think."

The couple have two children together - David, who lives in Downley, and Tricia, who lives in Prestwood.

They celebrated their anniversary at Tricia's home, along with their five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Brenda said: "It was a very nice day to have our friends and family there."