Couple celebrate 60th anniversary after meeting at 15

The couple called off their relationship in their mid-teens but then met again at the age of 18

A couple who first met at the age of 15 have enjoyed a surprise party to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

Bob Meskell and his wife Pauline Vilna Meskell, who is known as Vilna, were joined by more than 20 family and friends at HC-One's Leighton Court care home, in Wallasey on Merseyside.

The couple, who have two daughters and two granddaughters, married on 4 July 1964.

When asked their secret, Mrs Meskell said: "I'm the boss! That's the secret!"

Bob Meskell and his wife Pauline Vilna Meskell on their wedding day in 1964

The couple called off the relationship in their mid-teens but met again aged 18 on New Brighton pier in 1963 and began courting.

They became engaged the following December before tying the knot at St Mary's Church on Withens Lane, in Liscard, Wallasey.

Mr Meskell worked as a joiner and Mrs Meskell has always been a domestic cleaner.

At their party, the couple were surprised with banners, balloons and a cake made by Leighton Court kitchen staff, Angie Carr and Hannah Donoghue.

Sophie Teasdale, wellbeing coordinator at the care home, said: "It was such a lovely experience to join in with the celebrations for Bob and Vilna's 60th wedding anniversary.

"I love listening to their stories and it is a joy to have them both part of the Leighton Court family."