THE light of love still shines brightly for one Poulton couple who are celebrating an astonishing 66 years of marriage today (July 15).

John Oates believes his wife Daisy is the most beautiful woman in the world - nearly 70 years after he first set eyes on her in a Blackpool cafe.

The couple, who now live at Brooklands Nursing Home in Poulton, were married at Kirkham Registry Office on July 15, 1933.

They met when Daisy, from Haverigg in Cumbria, came to Blackpool on holiday with a friend as a 20-year-old.

Jayn Edmondson, a sister at Brooklands, explained: "She bumped into John in a cafe. Her friend really fancied John, but he wasn't interested in her - he just thought Daisy was the most beautiful girl in the world. They started going out together and she sent her mum a card to say that she wasn't coming home."

The couple set up home in Poulton, where they lived for more than 50 years. John, 88, worked as a chauffeur and a market gardener, which he said he gave up because it did not pay enough.

He then went on to work as a foreman at ICI in Thornton, where he stayed for more than 30 years.

Daisy, 89, worked in a Blackpool guest house, before becoming a mother to the couple's three children - June, Brian and Bill. They also have five grandchildren and a great-grandson.

The couple named Bill after John's brother, who was killed in action during World War II. John himself served in the Far East during the war with the Armoured Corps.

So what is the secret of their long and happy marriage? John said: "You've got to give and take. If you have any problems, you forgive and forget."

And Jayn Edmondson added: "They both used to be in a rest home, but John needed nursing care, so he was transferred here. We got Daisy in as soon as we had a spare bed because they were pining for each other. And he says she's still a beautiful woman."

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