Max and Pat were at the same party, welcoming the year 1952.

“We met at a New Year’s Eve dance in Newcastle at midnight,” Mrs Brown said.

The night of the party, the pair made arrangements to meet the next day, and the rest was history.

On September 17, 1955, they were married at St Philips Anglican Church at Waratah.

Last month, the couple celebrated 60 years of marriage.

They were congratulated on their achievement by a number of dignitaries.

They moved to Muswellbrook a little while later when Mr Brown got a job with the county council, where he continued to work for more than 30 years.

The couple said when there is confusion they discuss things together and then move on, rather than dwelling on disagreements.

Mr and Mrs Brown have two children, Paul and Maxeen, and five grandchildren.

They enjoy being a part of their community and are involved in local groups.

“It helps to keep you young I think,” Mrs Brown said.

“You always get back what you put into things,” Mr Brown said.

“Enjoy what you get – there’s always someone worse off than you.”