A DIAMOND couple from Blackburn have toasted 60 years of married bliss.

Brian and Kathleen Martin, who met at a dance in the old Blackburn Royal Infirmary, were married on March 1, 1966, at St Peter's Church in Salesbury.

And Mr Martin, 86, a former bank official, said the secret to their success is having a laugh and travelling.

Mr Martin, of Brownhill Road in Blackburn, said: "It's been a happy marriage. Although we beg to differ at times. We always said when I was retired we have had some good holidays. I have now been retired 26 years and we have been on cruises and seen various places in Europe, America and Barbados. We have had a good few adventures.

"I would say the secret to a good marriage is laughter. Kathleen always says what's the use of sitting there with a long face when you could smile? I would also say travel and never got to bed with an argument not settles because you won't be able to sleep."

Mrs Martin, 87, was raised in Leamington Road in Blackburn and attended Blakey Moor School, before moving on to Blackburn College. She started work at Kenyon Confectioners, moved on to Boots and spent the majority of her working life as a nurse and wife. She had a very successful career and won numerous awards.

Mr Martin, who grew up in the Roe Lee area of Blackburn and attended Roe Lee Primary School, before moving on to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School. He started his career at Martin's Bank, which later became Barclay, in Darwen Street, Blackburn, but had to leave for two years to complete his National Service. He returned to the bank when his service was complete and worked at branches across Lancashire.

The couple have four children, Mary, Michael, Noel and David who is now deceased, and six grandchildren.

Although the couple no longer live together, Mrs Martin stays at Hazeldene Care Home in Salesbury, they still see each other every day. Mr Martin has only missed visiting his wife on three occasions in the last 18 months.

The couple toasted their anniversary with a meal and cake at Hazeldene. Pride of place on the table was a congratulatory card from the Queen.

They will also have a meal with family friends at the Mitton Hall Hotel on Saturday. Amongst the guests will be Mr Martin's brother Tom and his wife Mary, who were best man and chief bridesmaid at the Martin's wedding.