FENLAND councillor Mick Speechley and his wife Iris celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with family and friends. The couple who are both aged 80 met while still at school – Mick was a pupil at Station Road School in Whittlesey and Iris at Thorney

FENLAND councillor Mick Speechley and his wife Iris celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with family and friends.

The couple who are both aged 80 met while still at school - Mick was a pupil at Station Road School in Whittlesey and Iris at Thorney.

Mick said: "There used to be a gang of boys and a gang of girls and we got to know each other." They were aged 20 when they married at St Andrew's Church in Whittlesey.

Mick was a bricklayer for a Whittlesey builder and eventually built a house in Snoots Road and bought land to start his own market garden business growing mainly celery plants.

The couple worked in the business together and brought up their daughter Susan. They were forced to retire when Mick underwent major heart surgery.

Mick was a Cambridgeshire county councillor for 25 years and presently serves on Whittlesey Town Council and Fenland District Council

The couple marked their big day last Thursday by holding open house. Mick said: "We had a marvellous day with lots of friends calling in. People have known me for a long time.