John and Norah Robson from Ilminster set to celebrate diamond wedding anniversary

John and Norah Robson, of Summerlands Drive in Ilminster, say the secret to a successful marriage is ’give and take", laughing and cuddles.

On April 1, the couple are set to celebrate 60 years of marriage and receive a message from the Queen.

"From the very start it was a financial struggle but being together was the most important thing," the couple said.

"Being young, we had loads of fun with newly found friends in like situations.

"We made the best of what we had and as time progressed things slowly got better, especially when the children came along.

"What is the secret to a successful marriage? Well, be ready and willing to say sorry when you are wrong, there has to be give and take in any marriage and a cuddle works wonders.

"We laugh a lot, not only with each other, but at each other and ourselves.

"If you are upset, settle the difference before you go to bed.

"We give thanks to God for all the blessings he has given us."

The pair moved to Ilminster in June 1970, with their two young boys, Dale and Wayne.

Their family are very proud of them. 

"We are truly blessed to have such loving parents," they said.

"They are great fun to be with and always the first to offer us a helping hand or kind word."

The couple are known in the town for their charity work with the Royal British Legion, St.Marys Church, the local council and the Somerset Army Cadet Force.

Mr Robson was honoured in 2011 with the Ilminster Citizens Award.

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Mrs Robson has volunteers in the RNLI charity shop for more than 30 years, and has been honoured for her voluntary work with the Somerset County Cadet Force.