A "devoted" couple who have lived in Whitefield for more than 50 years are celebrating a landmark wedding anniversary today, Saturday.

Harry and Margaret Kitchen tied the knot 70 years ago, with the milestone known as their platinum anniversary.

Both originally from Lancaster, they first met at a cinema there when Margaret was aged 15 and Harry was 16.

They were married in 1952 when they were aged 20 and 21 before moving to Whitefield, where they have lived ever since.

The move to Whitefield came after Harry joined the police just after the wedding and was posted to the Manchester area 70 years ago.

He was a police sergeant around the Prestwich and Whitefield area for 25 years.

Harry then became a police driving instructor until he retired aged 65.

Margaret used to work at Smiths the dry cleaners for a while in Prestwich which is no longer open before she worked for a few years as a dental receptionist in Whitefield.

Their daughter April Vernon said: “When they both retired, they did voluntary work for the Red Cross.

“My mum worked at Fairfield General Hospital there and they both used to do meals on wheels too.

“They’re both just devoted to the family and each other and dedicated to supporting the family.

"I don’t know what their secret is though!”

On Sunday, Harry and Margaret will be having a family meal at the Red Hall Hotel in Walmersley with their three daughters, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

April added: “Unfortunately they won’t get their card off The Queen but hopefully they might get one from the new King.”