A Mount Gambier couple has found a diamond in the rough, celebrating their 60th anniversary last week.

Phil McInnes, then 23, and Maxine McInnes née Telford, 21, were married at the St Andrews Presbyterian Church and Manse in Mount Gambier on November 2, 1963.

The pair, now in their 80s, met at the Borderline Speedway where Mr McInnes was racing a mini with his older brother Ian, while his future wife watched on, oblivious to the love story that would span the next six decades.

Mrs McInnes left hospital on her 21st birthday after giving birth to her first child, a daughter Leanne (Wallace) on August 16, 1964, less than a year after tying the knot.

Mrs McInnes went on to have two boys with Simon born in 1967 and Brendan in 1972 while Mr McInnes worked for the Electricity Trust of South Australia for over 40 years.

Mr McInnes is a long-time member of the Mount Gambier City Lions and the Mount Gambier RSL.

Mrs McInnes can still be found working in the kitchen at Boandik Lodge after more than 30 years, or volunteering at the facility.

The couple are both passionate members of the Mount Gambier History Group and celebrated the significant milestone with a family dinner attended by their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

When asked if there was any secret to the longevity of her parents’ marriage, Mrs Wallace joked her father was “very tolerant”.

“They both have the things they do together but they have the things they do on their own,” she said.

“They are kind hearted and generous and always helping other people.”