A COUPLE who first set eyes on each other across the dance floor have celebrated six decades of wedded bliss.

Alan, 87, and Mary Dunbobbin, 82, mark their diamond wedding anniversary today, Thursday, after tying the knot on January 11, 1958.

The couple, who are proud parents to daughter Sandra, 55, and son Clive, 49, met at Court Hall in Wigan when they were both in their 20s.

They went on to say ‘I do’ in front of loved ones at Wargrave Church in Newton-le-Willows before heading to the Victoria Inn to carry on the celebrations.

“We really enjoyed ourselves. It was a lovely day,” said Mary.

“We just knew it was meant to be. 

“We got engaged after nine months and then we were married nine months later.”

When Alan, who grew up in Lower Walton, first locked eyes on Mary it was love at first sight for the then 26-year-old.

“I spotted her and I said to my mate ‘I’m going marry her’,” he said.

“I hadn’t even spoken to her. I didn’t even know her but I knew.

“But when I was younger I always said that I will know the girl I’m going to marry when I see her and that was true.”

After meeting on the dance floor, Mary quickly realised that she wanted a second date.

Mary, who used to run Vogue Hairdressing Fashions, added: “When I first saw him he asked me to go to the pictures with him the following day.

“He turned up in this car and a big coat and a trilby hat on and I thought he looked like Al Capone. 

“He liked all the things I liked and we got on so well.”

The couple, of Gainsborough Road, love spending time with their growing family which includes four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

After Alan retired, aged 60, from Greenall Whitley brewery, the couple have been able to spend more time on things they love – dancing, holidays and cooking.

When asked what is the secret to a long and happy marriage, Mary said: “There are four things that are very important to us.

“Dancing, good old cooking, holidays and no stress.”