A COUPLE have celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Oliver and Flo Blackwell, of The Hollies care home in Clayton-le-Moors, enjoyed a special buffet lunch with their carers, friends and family yesterday for the platinum anniversary.

Oliver, 92, and Flo, 87, wed on February 26, 1938, at St Hubert's Church, Great Harwood.

They were unable to go on honeymoon because Oliver was called up for the Royal Engineers and served in Africa during World War Two.

They met in Sabden, and Oliver used to ride his bike to see Flo before taking her for walks on Pendle Hill.

They have four children, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Daughter Rita McLoughlin, 69, said: "Dad has a wicked sense of humour and mum is more on the quiet side. They're perfectly matched. They must be to be together all this time."

Hollies manager Margaret Holden, said: "Everybody had a wonderful time. In fact, I think the staff enjoyed it just as much as they did. It's the first 70th anniversary we've had here and I don't think we'll never see another one ."