After 65 years of marriage, Elsie and Francis Nixon, both 85, believe the secret to their successful union is simple - they're still very much in love!

The couple met at the age of 14 at the Grand Theatre in Blackburn in 1936. When they were 21 they were married at All Saints Church, Blackburn.

On their big day Elsie and Francis were joined by only their immediate family in what was essentially a small ceremony in those days. They couldn't afford to jet off for their honeymoon, instead they spent a two days in Blackpool and returned home just in time for Christmas.

At the time Francis worked as a foreman during the day while Elsie worked as a weaver in the evenings.

In 1939 in aid of the war effort Elsie enjoyed working for the RAF making safety catches. Francis was keen to fight for his country but failed the medical because he is partially sighted. He was instead offered a role as assistant cook but the position was later withdrawn.

When asked why they think their marriage is still as strong as it's ever been Elsie said: "We still love each other, you have to when you've been together as long as we have. We argue like most folk do, it's only natural, but we don't sulk."

Christmas is a hectic time for the couple who have eight children, 21 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren to think about. Elsie said: "We keep our money together and save it. We just do with what we've got."