A Wirral couple marked 60 years of wedded bliss as they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Thursday.

Jack and Valerie Purser were married in 1956 at St Nicholas Church, Wallasey, and have lived in the area ever since.

Wirral Globe: Mum and dads 60th wedding anniversary

Jack and Valerie Purser

Asked for the secret for a long and happy marriage, Jack replied: “Saying ‘Yes’ – and making that the answer to everything!”

Jack, 81, and Valerie, 79, have five daughters, 17 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren – with two more on the way.

The couple met in the leap year of 1953 after Jack went to visit his sister while on a short break from the Merchant Navy.

He found Valerie babysitting his sister’s children – and Jack said it was love at first sight.

At the age of 22 Jack came back from sea again but this time to make Valerie his wife - and they were married by Rev William Simpson, the second vicar of the parish.

In 1960 Jack returned home from sea after spending eight years away from Wallasey and four years from Valerie.

As for hobbies, the couple are quite content spending time with each-other drinking Horlicks and Jack has a love for making ducks as garden ornaments.

The couple enjoyed a celebratory party in New Brighton yesterday surrounded by family and friends.