PENKETH'S first lollipop lady and her husband will be celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary on Saturday.

Lily and Leslie Hicks, of Station Road, were married on January 26, 1942, at Penketh Methodist Church.

The couple met when they were both employed at the Co-op printing works. Leslie was in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, while Lily has worked as a dinner lady at Penketh Junior School as well as making history as a lollipop lady.

Following their wedding, Lily and Leslie went on to have two daughters, Christine and Kathleen, as well as four grandchildren, Lynda, Janet, Tracey and Debbie.

And their family has grown even bigger with the arrival of five great-grandchildren, Daniel, Ashlee, Ellie, Ben and Bradley.

The couple used to enjoy ballroom dancing as a hobby, but nowadays they lead a more relaxed life.

However, they joined together with their family at the Walton Arms at the weekend to celebrate their successful 60 years.

When asked about the secret of their long and happy marriage, Lily said: "It's all about giving and taking. We've quarrelled but always made up. It's been good."