ARTHUR Walker jetted in all the way from Australia to celebrate his brother's golden wedding - the first time he has seen his family for 30 years.

Sixty-two year old Arthur, and his wife Joan, 59, travelled 10,000 miles from Perth to Preston to be with brother Jim, 72, and his wife Freda, 71, of Sunbury Avenue, Penwortham, for a party celebrating 50 years of married bliss.

The couple moved to Australia to set up a painting and decorating business three decades ago with their daughters Catherine, 36, and Susan, 34, after having lived in the town all their lives.

Arthur talked of the way Preston had changed and his delight at seeing family and friends again: "It's great to be back - but the place has changed a lot.

"Where I used to live has gone. It's now the university - and where my wife used to live is a motorway.

"We didn't realise how narrow the streets are. It is not like back home.

"Seeing everyone again was very emotional. We've not been back for 30 years and it was worth waiting for," he added.

They brought back a set of specially-engraved glasses and presented them to the happily-wed couple in front of 120 people at the celebration last week at BAC

His wife gave away the secrets of their success after having met Jim when she was only 14: "You just have to know everything about one another. We have had our ups and downs but you get over it.

Arthur and Joan are currently staying with another brother, Paul, 65, in Fulwood, before flying back to Australia later this month.

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