A Wallsend couple are celebrating 70 years of wedded bliss.
Norma Harrop, 90, and David Harrop, 93 met at a dance in the 1950s, and have been together ever since. Norma was just 14 when they met, got engaged at 18 and the pair were married in their hometown of Crook, County Durham two years later.
The couple moved to Wallsend shortly after being married and lived there for over 60 years. David worked as a coal miner in Wallsend and Norma worked in textiles.
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Their only child, Dawn Nicholson, 62, said: “My parents have always been there for each other. They always put each other first and are always so understanding.
“My father loves to golf and my mum loves shopping. She would always be heading to Marks and Spencer in town, and most times she and my dad would go for a coffee together in the morning.”
Dawn is married and has one daughter herself. She said: “My parents love their granddaughter, she was the centre of attention in the family, we have many memories of going on holiday together, by a cruise.
"My dad also loved our dog, he would take him out on walks quite often.”
The couple celebrated 70 years of marriage at their home with a small get together.
David said: “There’s no secret to a long marriage, I just make sure Norma is happy all of the time. A happy wife makes a happy life.”
Norma said: “We’re kind to each other and smile every day.”
