A DIAMOND Halesowen couple defied the sceptics, who feared their marriage would not last to, celebrate their 60th anniversary.

Ken and Sheila Tromans, tied the knot after an eight-month whirlwind romance and went on to have two daughters and a son.

With four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, the couple, who have lived in the same house in Bassnage Road for 55 years, enjoy their ever-growing family.

Persistent Mr Tomans, an 83-year-old retired bricklayer, refused to take no for an answer when asking for a date after meeting his future wife at Cradley Heath Labour Club.

Mrs Tromans, who celebrated her 80th birthday the day after their anniversary, said: “He kept asking for a date, but I didn’t go with him for a few weeks. Once I said yes, we’ve been together ever since.

“We got married after eight months, it was a whirlwind, and people said it wouldn’t last because I didn’t know him well.”

But remembering to “give and take” and never going to bed on an argument has given them decades of wedded bliss.

Family and friends joined them for a double anniversary and birthday celebration at the nearby Maypole pub, where former factory worker Mrs Tromans served behind the bar for 22 years.