A COUPLE who met when they were 15 have celebrated 68 happy years together.

Raymond and Iris Smith, of Hartington Road, Darwen, met while walking in the town in 1939 and were married eight years later at St James's Church.

Their diamond wedding anniversary was this week and Iris said the couple's secret for a long and happy marriage was "having a bit of banter" and always working together through problems.

The couple, now 83, have four children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Daughter June, 53, travelled from Australia for the celebrations.