DIAMOND couple Harry and Ivy Giles will celebrate 60 years of wedded bliss tomorrow.

The Blackburn couple were married on September 19, 1939, at St John's Church. They met when Ivy moved from Preston to Blackburn when she was 15.

Mr Giles said: "Ivy was playing hard to get when I met her." But they soon realised they were meant to be together. Two years after they were married, Harry was called to serve in the Second World War. He was stationed in Italy where he helped to feed the troops.

He was a master baker and trained at his parent's shop in Blackburn. Together with Ivy, he ran a successful bakery and confectionary business for 42 years.

When Mrs Giles left school, she worked at a printers and book binders. Ivy's next job was at the supermarket chain Booths. She then went on to help her husband with their business.

Harry and Ivy, of Billinge Side, said they were well known in the area because of their home-made patties and pies.

The couple, both aged 83, have three children Anne, Barbara and David. They also have three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Ivy said: "The secret behind our marriage has been working together for 42 years in the business.

"It has not always been a bed of roses but the children always said that they had a happy childhood."

The couple will celebrate their diamond wedding with family and friends at a restaurant in Blackburn.

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