Couple expecting third letter from the Queen as they celebrate 70th wedding anniversary

George and Irene Holt tied the knot at a ceremony held inside Sacred Heart Church, in Blackburn Road, Accrington, in 1945 – just weeks after the Second World War ended in Europe.

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They plan to spend the day at their Bank Street home, where they will be visited by their family, which includes four children, nine grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Their daughter Pauline, 64, said: “My dad has not been too good lately so we have not been able to organise something on the day.

“It will just be a family gathering and we will hopefully celebrate more when he is better.”

The pair met when both were working at the Bristol Aircraft Family in Clayton-le-Moors. George worked hard on the shop floor, while Irene spent her hours inside the store. Built in 1939, the building acted as a ‘shadow factory’ for Hercules engines as part of the war effort.

George and Irene fell deeply in love, and vowed to care for each other for as long as they both shall live in front of a congregation on July 7, 1945. They started their family with George Jnr, followed by Derek, Pauline, and Peter.

Their secret to a happy marriage, Pauline said, was simple: “They are family orientated. They have always been there for one another, and looked after us well. There have been rows and cross words, but never in front of the children.”

Former Accrington Stanley midfielder George has remained active in his later years, still playing bowls at Gatty Park even at the age of 92. Irene, now 90, worked with the Royal Voluntary Service for several years until she reached her 70s.

On a cabinet in their home, two previous letters from Her Majesty take pride on place. One was sent on their 60th wedding anniversary, while the second was delivered on their 65th. The Queen sends messages for Diamond (60th), 65th, Platinum (70th) wedding anniversaries, and every year thereafter.