IT was a case of love, set and match for diamond wedding couple Charles and Ruth Warkman who have celebrated their diamond wedding.

The couple grew up in the same Blackburn neighbourhood, Ruth in Lancaster Place and Charles in Saunders Place, and their first date was playing tennis with friends at Blackburn Corporation Park.

They married in 1942 at Trinity Church in Preston New Road, Blackburn, after a two-year courtship.

Charles has been a Tory councillor for Mellor on Ribble Valley Council for 20 years. He is chairman of the housing committee and vice-chairman of the Parish Council's liaison committee.

In his spare time, he enjoys photography, sailing and walking, while Ruth helps to run the popular Mellor Senior Citizens' and Luncheon Clubs.

The couple, of Hob Green, Mellor, have a son David, daughter Susan, grandson Andrew, 26, and granddaughter Charlotte, 25.

The couple have received numerous cards from well-wishers, including one from Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.