AN East Lancashire man marked his hundredth birthday with his family at a care home.

Bill Ling marked his centenary with his wife and fellow resident Marjory at Haydock Nursing Home, Blackburn.

The couple met at Dugdales Cotton Mill in Blackburn where Marjory, now 89, worked as a telephonist.

Bill has been a resident at the care home since January when he moved in to be with his wife, who has lived there for four years.

After falling in love at the mill as youngsters the couple, who have always lived in Blackburn, married after a few years’ courtship.

They went on to have daughter Beverley, who joined her parents for the big day.

Care home staff Carole Thomson said: “Bill only moved in in January and was reunited with his wife.

“They share a room here at the care home.

“It is lovely to watch them together. They are a beautiful couple.

“They are always sat next to each other and quite often you see them holding hands and being very sweet to each other.”

The couple celebrated with a party with care home staff and Bill also received a card from the Queen.