WHEN their eyes met in The Grapes pub in Oxford, little did Barbara Brant and Ernie Greenwood know that they would be celebrating their marriage more than 60 years later.

But today the Cowley couple are doing just that as they mark their diamond milestone with a meal at the Four Pillars Hotel in Abingdon Road, surrounded by members of their family.

Mrs Greenwood nee Brant, met her husband-to-be in the George Street pub in August 1952 aged 17.

She said: “He invited me out.

“We met and he had his friend with him because he wasn’t sure whether I was going to turn up or not.

“We used to walk around Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, New Inn Hall Street, George Street. We called it the bunny run.”

The couple were engaged in April 1953 and married on December 19, 1953 at All Saints Church in Lime Walk, Headington.

Mrs Greenwood, who used to work as a receptionist at the Oxfordshire Coroner’s office, said: “It was a dry day, but a bit windy.

“Of course the four bridesmaids and I couldn’t keep our dresses still.”

They went on to have three children: Lynn, now 59, Michael, 58, and Carol, 53, and also have six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The couple have lived in their Normandy Crescent home since 1957.

Mrs Greenwood said: “It is an achievement really, being married to the same person for 60 years.

“What we have realised over the years is that time has gone so quickly, so we give and take. ”

She added: “I have always tried to think on the positive side of life.

“I know we have ups and downs but you have to get through them – that is what we have done.”

Mr Greenwood, who worked at the Pressed Steel factory in Cowley, now the BMW plant, for 42 years, said: “We have been very, very happy.

“We get on well together, she is a good wife.

“She really does look after me.”

He added: “I don’t think there is a secret to a long and happy marriage.

“You help one another when you can.”