A couple who helped raise generations of Thetford children in the classroom and on the playing field have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Eastern Daily Press: Pat and Harold Preston from Thetford who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.Pat and Harold Preston from Thetford who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2015)

Harold and Pat Preston were joined by friends to toast 60 years of marriage on Thursday at their Redgate home.

There was extra cause for celebration as the day coincided with Mr Preston's 84th birthday.

As the cake was cut, photographs and stories from the pair's big day at Watton Methodist Church in 1955 were shared.

They had met after Mr Preston's interest in politics had led him to meet his future wife's grandfather. She was at the house in Watton when he visited.

A honeymoon in Somerset followed the ceremony, before the happy couple set about making a family that now includes two children, Martin and Jacqueline, five grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Their careers also saw them play a part in the lives of children in a changing town.

After working as a chemist, Mr Preston became a biology teacher at Thetford Secondary Modern in Staniforth Road, while running the school's Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

Meanwhile, Mrs Preston, now 81, worked as a PE teacher at Thetford Grammar School having previously been a top junior tennis player - even appearing at Junior Wimbledon.

She also worked at Norwich Road School during the influx of London overspill during the 1960s. Her final job before retirement was at Canterbury First School.

After six decades of marriage, Mr Preston's advice to young couples looking to emulate their long relationship was simple.

'You have to be pals. It always starts out lovey-dovey but that romance doesn't stay as strong and you need to be able to be friends.

'Compromise is the word too. If you can't do that in this life then you aren't going to get far, ' he said.

The pair will be joined by the rest of their family for a celebration tomorrow.

Do you have a special event coming or landmark coming up? Let us know by emailing Andrew Fitchett on andrew.fitchett@archant.co.uk