The old adage ‘give and take’ has led to long and happy marriages for two Black Country couples celebrating milestone anniversaries.

For Robert and Alice Mantle, a blind date resulted in 60 years of wedded bliss. Originally from Northampton, carpenter Mr Mantle travelled to Dudley to meet his brother’s new girlfriend only to end up on a date with her friend, Alice Hayes. Eighteen months after their first encounter the now 86-year-old popped the question to his sweetheart.

They then tied the knot at Lake Street Methodist Church, Lower Gornal.

Mrs Mantle, 84, said: “The secret to a long lasting marriage is give and take – it can’t be all take. We have had some great years and it is really nice to have all the family around us.”

The couple, of Ketley Road, Kingswinford, had four children and have 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. They celebrated their diamond anniversary on March 20.

Mr Mantle was sent home from the war after a few weeks as his mother died and he was the youngest son. During the war Alice worked at Fisher Bearings in Wolverhampton.

Meanwhile strolling along Blackpool beach will bring back honeymoon memories for John and Margaret Wood, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday.

The resort has been a favourite holiday destination for the couple of Redfly Lane, Pensnett, and they will return later this year.

They met when Mrs Wood, now 70, was an usherette at the cinema.

They courted for several months and wed after Mr Wood, 72, left the Army. He had been stationed in West Germany with The Royal Horse Artillery and helped load guns on tanks.

The lifelong Wolves fan said: “I asked Margaret’s father if it was alright for us to get married and at first he didn’t approve but he did come to the wedding.

“People always joke Margaret and I are joined at the hip but I think the fact we have always done things together is the reason our marriage has lasted so long.”

The couple, who tied the knot at St John’s Church, Brockmoor, have a son Ian and one granddaughter. They celebrated the milestone with a family party.