A couple who met while working at a Wirral cinema more than 60 years ago are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today.

Patricia and Denis Pratt met at The Ritz in Birkenhead and were married at St Laurence's Church in the town on October 7, 1961.

Patricia, now 76 and Denis, 78, (pictured, below) will mark the milestone with family and friends.

Wirral Globe:

Recalling how they got together, daughter Lin Burson told the Globe: "Mum was an usherette and dad was a projectionist. Mum was a shy person and my dad was outgoing and his nickname was the pint-sized pirate at the Ritz.

"When my mum would be showing people to their seats or selling refreshments, my dad would shine the theatre search light on mum for a joke and she would run off embarrassed.

"Whilst working here dad was the only person who could fix the big tower clock outside that stood at the top of the steeple on The Ritz.

"He would have to climb the ladder to the top and get the clock going every time it stopped.

"He would also fix the big organ that was situated on the stage.

"Whilst here they both met famous people, these were Suzanne Morgan, Kenny Lynch, Adam Faith, John Barry Seven, Joe Brown and Brothers, Billy Fury, Jean Vincent and Alvin Stardust.

"Mum and dad worked with TV presenter Kim Woodburn and Kim went with mum to buy her wedding dress."

Wirral Globe:

Above and below: Patricia and Denis Pratt on their wedding day in 1961. Pictures courtesy of Lin Burson 

Wirral Globe:

The couple went on to have six children and 12 grand children and this year they will be expecting their ninth great grand child.

Daughter Lin added: "They are still in love now and are looking forward to celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary."

From all at the Globe, a very happy 60th anniversary to Patricia and Denis.

One of the largest and most extravagant cinema/theatres in the North West the Ritz opened in 1937 and closed in 1969. Its final years were spent as a bingo hall and the building was demolished in 2000.

Situated on The corner of Claughton road and Oliver street. At the time it was one of the largest and most extravagant cinemas/theatre in the North west.