A Bury couple have shared their secret of a long and happy marriage ahead of their diamond anniversary this month. 

Ann and Ron Thorneley will celebrate the milestone wedding anniversary on Thursday, 60 years after taking the plunge at Stand Church in Whitefield in on March 16, 1963.

The couple first met at Bury’s iconic dancehall, The Palais-de-Dance, after which Ann returned and told her parents she’d met ‘the man she was going to marry.’

“We just clicked and we just went from there,” Ann said, “I don’t feel like it’s been 60 years.”

Shortly after getting married, the “family-oriented” couple moved into their home on Walmersley Road, where they raised their four children, Belinda, Tracy, Michael and Hannah, and have lived there ever since.

Bury Times: Ann and Ron Thorneley on their wedding day in March1963Ann and Ron Thorneley on their wedding day in March1963 (Image: Hannah Rigby)

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Revealing she and Ron's secret to success, Ann said: “There’s no secret, just get on with life and work together, I don’t believe in arguments.”

Ron, who is now retired, worked as spinner at a wool mill in Bury and at a candle factory before becoming the caretaker at Springside County Primary School, on Springside Road.

After giving birth to her children, Ann returned to work and started a job as a midday assistant at the same school where she worked for 15 years.

She said she would finish her shift as Ron was beginning his allowing them to juggle childcare responsibilities.

Bury Times: Ann and Ron sign the wedding register at Stand Church, Whitefield Ann and Ron sign the wedding register at Stand Church, Whitefield (Image: Hannah Rigby)

Ann and Ron have dedicated much of their lives to taking care of their children and now have seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

“I always wanted to become a mum,” Ann said.

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Bury Times: Ann and Ron Thorneley as they look today after 60 years of marriageAnn and Ron Thorneley as they look today after 60 years of marriage (Image: Hannah Ribgy)

Now that their family has grown up Ron and Ann spent time together at Bury Market and when the sun is shining, Ron loves to spend time in the garden while Ann knits and sews.

Ann's advice to young couples looking to make their marriage last is ‘always tell the truth’.

She said: “I will not lie for nobody, I would never tell a white lie.

“Try to be nice to people, help somebody if you can and don’t ask for anything in return.

“Don’t keep any big secrets, as you go through life together.

“I couldn’t imagine falling out with Ron.”