THERE will be a huge turn-out when Ernest and Marie Buckley celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.

For the Deane couple -- who married 60 years ago today -- will be having a party this Saturday with their eight children, 21 grandchildren and 32 great- grandchildren.

It will be the second of two celebrations for Ernest and Marie, of Malton Avenue, who were due to have their first party today.

The couple -- who tied the knot at Victoria Church, Great Lever, in 1943 -- said that the key to a successful marriage is hard work and talking to each other.

Marie, aged 82, said: "We have had our ups and downs over the years, but we have always got through."

The couple met through Mrs Buckley's brother, who brought Ernest, his merchant navy colleague, home after a stint at sea.

But during the war Ernest was often away at sea, while Marie worked at Kays munition factory.

When Ernest had to leave on ill-health grounds and moved to Bolton, the couple courted for two years before getting married.

Marie said: "My sister married his eldest brother and I ended up marrying him."

While Ernest, now aged 85, worked for several companies in the town, including the Bleachworks at Belmont, Marie brought up the family.