DIAMONDS are forever -- and this certainly rings true for one devoted Poulton couple who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this month.

Jimmy and Joan Ibbetson have lived on Rutland Avenue in Poulton for 47 years and have never been happier.

With three grown up children, one of whom was born severely disabled and blind, the couple who are now both in their 80s have stuck together through thick and thin.

And when Joan was asked the secret of their success she said: "It is an achievement I suppose, but we have always believed in the sanctity of marriage and the family unit.

"Life does throw its ups and downs at you and there is great sadness in the world, but we have always stuck by one another no matter what. A good sense of humour also helps."

The couple are greatly admired and well-thought-of by all who know them and have sacrificed a great deal of their life to caring for their disabled and slightly retarded daughter Judith.

Joan's brother Alfred Pearson said: "Both Joan and Jimmy are to be greatly admired for the many sacrifices they have been obliged to make in the upbringing of Judith.

"At various stages through her life death has been predicted but she has survived and is now 53 years of age.

"Joan refused to allow Judith to be admitted to a home until quite recent times and even now has Judith home for long weekends."

But the couple didn't see it as a sacrifice themselves as Joan said: "We have looked after her for more than 50 years and it has been challenging and demanding at times, but that is surely what life is all about.

"We have only recently let her go into a home as we are getting older and one day we won't be here to care for her."

Jimmy used to run his own business from home as a refrigeration engineer. Nowadays the couple enjoy taking long country walks and having picnics together across Lancashire.

They will receive a card from the Queen to commemorate the anniversary and are planning to visit their son in Kent for the actual celebration on March 28.