LOVE blossomed across a factory workshop for Arthur and Irene Bennett who are celebrating 60 years of marriage.

The couple met at a Warrington rubber company in 1933 where Arthur was a mechanic and his wife-to be a machinist. Three years later they married at St. Mary's Church in Buttermarket Street.

Arthur, aged 81, served with the Royal Signals in India, Italy and North Africa in the Second World War, during which he was decorated for bravery.

And while he was away, Irene concentrated on bringing up their son, Michael, who now lives in Grasmere Avenue, Orford, close to his parents' home on Poplars Avenue.

The couple enjoyed their anniversary when they had a quiet family get-together with their five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

And the secret of a good marriage? "I believe it's quite simply that both of you should have good health all their life so there is no stress on either partner," said Mr Bennett.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.