JOE and May Mercer's wartime wedding has stood the test of time.

The couple (pictured) celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with family and friends at St Stephen's Club, Little Harwood, when they raised a glass to the last 60 years.

And May revealed she is already looking forward to the next milestone in 10 years time.

The couple, who live in Whalley Old Road, Little Harwood, met at a dance club organised by Joe's mum at Longshaw Club in 1935.

They courted for six years before the wedding in 1941 by which time Joe, then aged 24, was in uniform. Shortly after the wedding Joe was posted to Germany and spent the first six years of the marriage serving King and country. "It was a terrible way to start but we managed," said May, 82, who worked at Mullards for 34 years. "We have always had contentment and that makes a happy marriage."

After the war Joe, 83, returned to run the family bicycle shop on Bank Top before going on to work at Mullards for 20 years and then on to Northrop until his retirement.

The couple, who did not have children, are expecting to receive a message of congratulation from the Queen on Tuesday, their actual anniversary.