A DEVOTED Bury couple have enjoyed their very own sparkling occasion!

Margaret and Percy Castle celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends on Sunday. And both still worship at the church where they were married 60 years ago.

"I was friendly with Percy's sister and that was how I met him at the age of 16," recalled 78-year-old Margaret.

The couple were married at St Joseph's Church in Bury after Percy was demobbed from the Royal Navy. During the Second World War, he saw action in the Far East, Malta and the Mediterranean.

Percy grew up in Canning Street, Bury, and the couple live in a house across the road in the same street. Margaret and Percy had two sons, the eldest of whom died last month. The couple have seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

For most of his working life, 83-year-old Percy was a hod carrier before becoming caretaker at Chesham primary school from where he retired.

Margaret worked for more than 30 years as a weaver with Bury-based firm Haircloth. Later, she too served as a school caretaker and spent ten years at Walmersley primary prior to her retirement.

The couple regularly attend St Joseph's Church with which they have enjoyed a long and fruitful association. In their younger days, Margaret and Percy enjoyed dancing. They marked their diamond wedding day with a meal and party.

Margaret said: "We can't quite believe we're celebrating our 60th anniversary. It's a real milestone for us both."