WISDOM, patience and understanding have helped William and Susannah Owen stay happy through 60 years of marriage.

The Blackburn couple were due to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary today with a meal with family and friends.

William, 84 and and his 83-year-old wife, have lived in the Mill Hill area of the town throughout their married lives and have three children and seven grandchildren.

Mr Owen is well known in the town and ran a knitwear stall on the market for many years.

The couple met in 1937 and married two years later at Christ Church in Oswaldtwistle.

Shortly after the wedding, Willaim was called up into the army and the couple were forced to spend several years apart.

William said: "I have always said three words have helped me throughout life and marriage, wisdom, patience and understanding.

"Throw the grace of God into the mixture and you won't go far wrong."

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