A BOLTON have celebrated their diamond wedding

Childhood sweethearts Derek, 78, and Marjorie Derbyshire, 78, have celebrated 60 years of marriage.

After first meeting, aged five, at Castle Hill Infant school, the couple married on August 6, 1958, at St Augustine’s Church, Thicketford Road, followed by a reception at Firwood Hall.

Marjorie said: “I used to see Derek every day and it was towards the end of the Second War, when we used coupons to buy things during rationing. We would often buy our toffees from the same shop.”

Their relationship blossomed when they were just 15 years old when they walked to and from school together.

Their first date was at the Crompton Way cinema to see the film High Noon starring Gary Cooper.

They would meet after school in Tonge Moor Road, where they now live.

At the same time Marjorie started work at the Eagley Mill and Derek at the Co-op mill.

Derek went on to become a long distance heavy goods driver and the couple are now both retired.

They have three children — Shirley, aged 59, Neil, aged 58 and Derek, aged 53, along with eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The couple held a small celebration of their diamond wedding anniversary with their family.

Marjorie added: “In the past we had our own interests, Derek with his motorcross and his darts and I looked after the children. Later on, we shared our love of gardening and bird watching.

“I have known Derek for what seems like forever and we are friends as well as partners.

“Our marriage has also been about family and they have all grown up to be pretty decent kids who have always been there for us, and as many families do, we help each other out.”