DIAMOND couple Jack and Irene Walkden say the secret to their 60 years of marriage is respect and tolerance.

Jack, 85, and Irene 82, of Anyon Street, Darwen, got married at St James Church, Chapels.

Jack had just come out of the Navy, where he served in Russia, Malta and Canada, and Irene was working at India Mill.

After their marriage Jack worked at Crown Paints and Irene got a job as a butcher's assistant.

The couple, who have lived in Darwen all their lives, have four children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jack said: "I'm very proud of being together this long.

"A lot of people don't make it so long and a lot of people don't make it at all."

They plan to celebrate quietly with family.