KNUTSFORD couple Francis and Margaret Walsh were treated to a weekend at Crewe Hall to celebrate 60 years of happy married life.

The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with their children and their families, who organised the special weekend.

Mr and Mrs Walsh live in Northwich Road, Knutsford, and were married at St Vincent’s Church in Knutsford on Saturday, June 5, 1954.

They had six children, Alan, Annette, Ian, Russell, Simon and Helen. Their four surviving children, Alan, Annette, Ian and Russell live in Lancaster, St Albans, Mold and Kent respectively.

Mr and Mrs Walsh met at one of the works dances at Associated Octel in Plumley, where they worked.

Mrs Walsh, who will be 81 on June 20, worked in the drawing office as a tracer, and Mr Walsh, 85, was employed as a rigger.

They were married two years later, and enjoyed a week in The Lake District for their honeymoon, travelling to Cumbria on Mr Walsh’s motorcycle.

Motorcycling was a passion for Mr Walsh, who had a number of machines.

Mr Walsh retired early at the age of 55, and Mrs Walsh did not work after they were married.

Looking back on their married life, Mrs Walsh said: “We just seem to have got along well together, and have had a happy family. If we had a difference of opinion we agreed to disagree.

“We have 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, and had a very nice time with our children and their families at Crewe Hall.”

The couple received a card from The Queen offering her best wishes on their diamond anniversary celebrations.