A COUPLE celebrating their diamond anniversary say they ‘don’t believe’ a relationship can exist without conflict - but their love and dedication to one another helps them overcome whatever problems they face.

Janet and Peter Clarke celebrated the momentous event on October 10, with their family taking them out for a nice-but-quiet meal.

The pair were married in 1964 at Wath Trinity Methodist Church - where they originally met at the Youth Club’s Bonfire Night - and spent their honeymoon in London.

Janet told the Chronicle: “My husband’s not in brilliant health and we’re not fussed about big parties, so we just went out with family.

“We had some friends come down last Wednesday too and then family and cousins on Thursday and Friday so really we had three days celebrating.

“It’s definitely an achievement, it’s been quite a while.”

When they were married, Peter worked as a fireman with the West Riding County Fire Service, while Janet was a cashier at the Midland Bank in Wath.

They spent their life in the area and have now settled in Darfield, after having two sons - Simon and Jason - and five grandchildren.

Janet still works as a local correspondent for the Chronicle, which she started doing 30 years ago after previously working at the Barnsley Star and South Yorkshire Times.

For their anniversary they received a special celebration card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, which Janet said is ‘lovely’ and plans on framing.

Yet even after all this time, she admits marriage isn’t easy and they have to put work in.

“I think you’ve just got to give and take,” she added.

“Everybody has ups and downs, I don’t believe that anyone doesn’t - but we find ways to get through it.

“When we were younger it was drilled into us that we had to get married and couldn’t have a family without getting married.

“So it’s our mindset, we know we’re committed and going to stay together.”