A COUPLE living in Knutsford have celebrated 70 years of marriage.

John Linihan, 88, and his wife Vera, who celebrates her 90th birthday today (Thursday 28), first met in their local dance hall in Manchester in 1942.

They were married in 1946, have gone on to have five children and have lived in Wythenshawe, Stockport, Cambridgeshire, Middlewich and, as of November, Knutsford.

Grandparents to 13, they are affectionately known within the family as ‘the Greats’ and celebrated their platinum anniversary on July 2.

Vera, who celebrated her birthday with a family gathering at Leicester Warren Hall last weekend, said: “We grew up in the centre of a big industrial place with mines and steelworks, and John worked in Bradford in east Manchester.

“Soon after John finished his national service we moved to the new estate in Wythenshawe.”

After moving on to Stockport, John secured a job overseeing two district council departments in Cambridgeshire, before moving back to the north west in 1999.

Jean Spragg, John and Vera’s daughter, explained: “Mum and dad wanted to come back to be nearer to family, and moved to Middlewich.

“Last year they decided that a four-bedroom house was too big. One of my sisters and I live in Knutsford, so they downsized to a flat and this is perfect for them.”

The couple have enjoyed travelling, particularly regular trips to Holland where one of their daughters lives.

They also have their individual interests. Vera is a keen gardener and seamstress, while John has enjoyed fishing and building model aircraft.

Both are Manchester United fans – or at least they were until the end of last season.

“I have taken a step back because I don’t like Jose Mourinho,” said Vera. “Once he goes, I’ll go back.”