They will have been married 60 years ago to the day – although there will no doubt be the usual family jokes about celebrating on the wrong date.

For the couple were married on March 28, 1948, but their marriage certificate records the date wrongly, as one day later on March 29.

John, who was brought up in Petworth, and Doris, who hailed from Portsmouth, met in l946 at the wedding of Doris' sister at The Stag pub in Balls Cross.

According to Doris it was love at first sight and the couple were married two years later at St Mary's Church, Petworth.

"We made our home at Kirdford after we were married," said Doris this week. "John worked on the fruit farm there and later was made foreman."

They moved to Wyndham Road in Petworth 23 years ago.

The Norths have three children, Patricia, Michael and Raymond, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Tomorrow most of the family will gather for an open house party in Wyndham Road, where John and Doris will cut their special diamond anniversary cake.

And the secret of their 60 years together?

"We've had our ups and downs, like all married couples," said Doris this week.

"But we get on very well together and have been very happy."