George and Audrey Howarth receive diamond wedding anniversary card from the Queen

George and Audrey Howarth are celebrating 60 years of marriage on 7 December

George and Audrey Howarth, of Barehill Street, Littleborough, have received a a surprise congratulations card from the Queen as they celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.

The couple, who are celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss, married on 7 December 1957 when they were just 21 and 24.

George said: "It was such a surprise to receive the card from the Queen."

George, 84, and Audrey, 81, will be enjoying afternoon tea at the Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey with their family, Andrew and Diane. This will be followed by drinks in the evening with friends, and a surprise visit by their granddaughter Pippa, who is travelling home from university to see them for a couple of hours on this important day.