“WE never go to bed without a kiss.”

That is the secret to happiness according to jewellery traders Fred and Edith Evans, who are a real diamond duo.

The couple, who married in Stacksteads in 1954, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their four sons, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mr Evans, 80, worked in the textile industry before retiring 15 years ago and now helps his wife, 79, run Rossendale Stone and Craft Jewellery at Rawtenstall Market.

He said: “We met in my hometown of Kington, in Herefordshire. Her father lived up the road from me and we bumped into each other at the picturehouse one evening.

“We walked the same way home together and the rest, as they say, is history. We stayed in touch by writing letters at first then using the phone boxes.

“Like any couple we’ve had our problems but you need a bit of give and take.

“We never go to bed without a kiss and I like to think we’re quite romantic. We very much love one another.”

Mrs Evans, originally from Bacup, handmakes items for the stall she has managed for 38 years, while Mr Evans concentrates on repairs.

The couple, who lived in Cowpe and Stacksteads after their wedding in Holy Trinity Tunstead Church, moved to their current home in Woodhead Close, Edgeside, in 1975.

Mr Evans said: “The stall is there on Saturdays and Tuesdays and it’s going fine. Edith used to have it in Accrington and Todmorden as well but Rawtenstall has been great for us.

“We’ll keep going for as long as we can. I think it helps to keep us young.”