A WAR of the roses helped a marriage blossom for sixty years.

Lancashire man James Walsh, 85 and wife Agnes, 82, originally from Yorkshire, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Saturday surrounded by family and friends.

One guest even flew in from Down Under for the special occasion at the Old Mother Red Cap, in Accrington Road.

The couple, who now live in Devon Road, Blackburn, first met in Blackpool at a dance. They married at St Teresa's Church, Blackburn, on April 26, 1943.

James worked at Scapa both here and abroad until he retired 20 years ago and Agnes was employed at Philips valve makers. They have two children, six grandchildren and one geat-grandchild.

Son John, 56, who has been living in Australia for 30 years, flew from Melbourne for the festivities.

He said: "It was my father who led me astray and gave me a sample of life abroad when we lived in America. Now I get to visit about once a year and we are all so happy for them."

James said the secret to their happy marriage was simply being together. "We have shared life and all that goes on and that is what makes it work."