Couple's celebration

Gordon and Lily, both 81, lived in the Maresfield area for 52 years before moving to Alton, in Hampshire, 18 months ago to be nearer to their family.

However, the couple returned to the village to celebrate with 70 friends, neighbours and family at a party organised by their daughter June.

On Sunday, Gordon and Lily attended a blessing at their local church, St Bartholomew's, where they renewed their vows in front of their family, friends and local churchgoers.

Their whirlwind courtship started in Blackpool in 1941, where Lily worked weekends at her Aunt's guest house.

Gordon was billeted there by the RAF and it was love at first sight. They married a year later.

Moved

After the war, they moved from Manchester to Piltdown with their baby daughter June, and just under three years later their second daughter Phyll was born.

Gordon and Lily had a house built in Maresfield Park, where they lived for 16 years, before moving to their new bungalow in Batts Bridge Road.

Daughters, June and Phyll paid tribute to their parents: 'They have both been extremely family orientated and have been remarkable parents and grandparents, at all times they have always been there for us.

'We are so thrilled we could celebrate this momentous occasion with them and would like to wish them all the happiness for the future.'

Gordon and Lily put their success of 60 years' marriage down to sharing, caring and tolerance, and always putting the family first.