Perfect platinum partners

A TOAST to us . . . Edith and Tommy Spencer celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary

A SHAW couple toasted a magnificent marriage milestone with their favourite tipple on Sunday.

Edith and Tommy Spencer raised a glass of sherry ­- something they enjoy a sip of every morning ­- to an incredible 70 years together as they celebrated their platinum anniversary with family.

Edith (94) and Tommy (95) grew up in the same neighbourhood in Failsworth but didn't get together until they were in their late teens.

Edith's father John Wilson Lees was well known in the area for running "Lees' Paper Shop" at 220 Oldham Road which the couple took over in 1950.

They were married at Holy Trinity Church, in Failsworth, in 1946 and enjoyed a three-day honeymoon in Blackpool before Tommy had to return to his National Service in Germany.

Edith returned to work in the paper shop, which she ran with Tommy after her father retired, until 1970 when the pair moved to Shaw.

They have a son, John, two granddaughters and two great-granddaughters.

Asked about their life together, Edith said: "It's been great.

"We've had a very happy life, it's been ideal.

"People ask what the secret is but there isn't one.

"We've just had normal happy lives.

"We've been very lucky to share our lives with each other.

"We do enjoy a sherry every morning though if that's got anything to do with it!"

Tommy added he was "still getting used to married life" after 70 years.