A Blackburn couple have said they were “shocked” when they received a letter from the King congratulating them on their 65th anniversary.

Noreen and Fred Rawcliffe married at St Barnabas Church on September 26, 1959, and since then have spent their marriage caring for one another.

Despite the family wanting to organise a big event for the occasion, the couple marked their incredible ‘blue sapphire’ anniversary on Thursday with fish and chips, their favourite meal.

Born and bred in Blackburn and currently living in Guide, they have three children, eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Tracie Harrington said: “Obviously, we are very proud of them.

"They have stuck together and enjoy going to the pub on a Sunday and going out for meals.”

After meeting at The Roxy Street Cinema in King Street where Noreen worked, the pair's relationship blossomed.

Receiving their congratulatory card from King Charles was a particularly special moment for the couple, and they were “really pleased when it arrived in the post.”

Tracie added: “It was really good to get the card from the King and when they opened it for the first time, it was a bit of a shock and they were really pleased about it.”

The King and Queen send messages to those celebrating milestone birthdays of 100 and above, and wedding anniversaries, including 60, 65, and 70 years of marriage.

Fred served in the Army after joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers rather than going into the Army during National Service.

It was there that he learnt to drive heavy goods vehicles and was also a personal driver to officers.

After completing his two years he joined his father and two brothers in the building trade, acting as a plasterer.

Noreen was born in Little Peel Street and now likes to spend her time visiting the shops in the town.