GREAT Harwood couple William and Catherine Riding have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

The 83-year-olds celebrated with a family meal at Harwoods Restaurant, in Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, and a stay at the Britannia Hotel, in Manchester, followed by a music concert in December.

William and Catherine, who met through friends in Rishton, said 'perseverance' and 'patience' were the secrets to a long marriage.

The couple, of Edgeside, Great Harwood, have one daughter Lynn Norris, 51, who works as a dog groomer at Canine Clippers, Rishton.