IT'S A double celebration for one Blackpool couple next week.

Edgar and Elsie Hartley of Saville Road, Blackpool will be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, followed by Edgar's 95th birthday on Wednesday.

The couple will be guests of honour at a party this Saturday night in Blackpool, to which their family of three children, eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren -- and lots of friends -- are all invited!

"I think mum and dad are getting quite excited, cards have already started arriving," said daughter, and youngest child, Joan Turner, who also lives in Saville Road.

"We thought there'd be about 40 people at the party, but it's just snowballed. Everyone says they're such a special couple. They're so gentle, and everyone calls them mum and dad."

Young mechanic Edgar met Elsie, now 89, in Bradford, after seeing her walk by on her way to work at a printers. The couple married in 1932 before moving to Blackpool "for a change" in 1947.

This year will be their platinum wedding anniversary and they are expecting their second telegram of congratulations from the queen -- their first was on their diamond anniversary ten years ago.

And the secret to their long marriage? "Having a lot of patience!" replied Elsie.