WEDDING bells are still ringing in the ears of two Thornton residents - even after 68 years of marriage.

For Albert and Mary Beesley, both 91, celebrate their latest wedding anniversary on Sunday (August 29) and say they couldn't be happier.

The loving couple (pictured), from Langdale Close, met at the Alexandra Night Ballrooms, Preston, in 1924 - remembering the day as if it were yesterday.

Mary said: "We were only 16, it was a Saturday night and there was a dance on - that was the only night we could afford to go.

"I was all dressed up in this little blue dress and was really looking forward to the dance.

"I met Albert and I thought to myself this young gentleman is quite a nice looking lad." Albert joked: "I'm not quite sure what first attracted her to me. I can only think she must have thought I had money, but I didn't.

"But I remember the day we met and that blue dress clearly. It was love at first sight for the pair of us."

And the couple were so besotted they got married six years later at St Ignatius RC Church, Meadow Street, Preston.

"It was a wonderful day," recalls Albert. "The sun was shining and I remember we were the first couple to have our wedding pictures taken outside the church." May said: "Before that couples used to have their photos taken in a studio, but not us."

The couple moved to Thornton 34 years ago to be closer to their sons, Brian and Ron, and show no sign of slowing down. "I think I'll retire properly and take it easy in the Millennium," said Albert.

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