IT only took a passing glance in the street for Harry and Annie Hubball to realise they were made for each other.

On July 24, 1938 Annie was walking to work along Navigation Road, Northwich, when a young and handsome stranger stopped her in the middle of the street and casually asked if anyone could come along.

At the time Annie was only 16 years old and Harry 20, but it was a brief encounter that neither of them could forget - and created a memory which has stayed fresh in their minds ever since.

And on Thursday, March 1, the couple who live in Russet Road, Weaverham, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary and, according to Annie, now 79, their romance is still very much alive.

"We've stayed together because we've learned to give and take and listen to one another," she said. "Of course, love comes into it as well."

The couple, who have two children David and Joan, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, got married in record time as Harry was only allowed a short period of leave from his army camp based in the Middle East during the Second World War.

And in the space of four days Harry had proposed, obtained a wedding licence costing £2, asked Annie's parents' permission, booked a small cafe for 20 people at the reception - and married his fiancee at Castle Church.