CHILDHOOD sweethearts Bill and Audrey Lewis say they have always known it was true love from the outset.

This is because if they could rewind time they would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

The happy couple celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary today, Thursday, six decades after tying the knot in front of loved ones.

The couple, of Astley Close, Lower Walton, first met when Bill was 16 and Audrey was 15.

The teenagers were out with friends and started talking – the rest is history. 

Bill, who attended Bewsey School, said: "I was attracted to Audrey straightaway.

"I remember thinking 'oh my God'.

"It was meant to be as I would do it all over again if I had the chance."

The couple quickly fell in love and Bill proposed at the age of 21 – shortly before he joined the army.

After leaving the forces in February 1956, the couple walked down the aisle of Our Lady's Church in Latchford on July 28, 1956, before heading to the reception at Rendezvous cafe on Sankey Street.

"We went on our honeymoon to the Isle of Man but it rained the entire time," recalled Audrey.

The couple, who have two grandchildren, went on to have one daughter, Valerie Walton, 57.

When questioned on the secret to a long and happy marriage, former Warrington High School pupil Audrey said: "It's about having different interests so when you come home you have something to talk about.

"We would always sit down of an evening, have a nice meal and speak about our day with a couple of glasses of wine."

The couple are now looking forward to celebrating their milestone on Saturday at the Fir Grove Hotel with loved ones.