A couple who have celebrated a milestone wedding anniversary have revealed the formula to them enjoying a happy marriage together.

Ann and Ernie Jackson, of Westcombe Drive, Brandlesholme, have marked their diamond anniversary - 60 years of marriage - with their family.

They met at Princess Ballroom in Bury on Boxing Day in 1960.

Ann, from Bury, and Ernie, from Whitefield, married at Bury Unitarian Church on Bank Street on March 21, 1964.

Bury Times: Ann and Ernie JacksonAnn and Ernie Jackson (Image: Supplied)

The couple say they have had a happy marriage due to "working hard, spending time together, being there for each other and time with the family".

Before retiring, Ann, now aged 79, worked as a cleaner at the house of the late Neville Cormack - who was managing director of Cormar Carpets - after working in the offices of the company for a number of years.

Ernie, 81, still works as a self-employed plumber with son Wayne.

The couple both like gardening and spending time outdoors.

They loved walking and rambling in their younger years and one of their many achievements was scaling Striding Edge in the Lake District.

They have a passion for travelling and have had many "wonderful holidays" and enjoyed lots of cruises around the Mediterranean.

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Bury Times: Ernie and Ann JacksonErnie and Ann Jackson (Image: Supplied)

They spent their anniversary with their family at a get together and received a telegram from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Their family gave them a frame, which was made specifically to display the card and the telegram that now has pride of place in their living room.

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Bury Times: Ann and Ernie JacksonAnn and Ernie Jackson (Image: Supplied)

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The couple have one daughter, Paula, 56, two sons, Wayne, 54, and David, 52, as well as four grandsons, Gregory and George, both 27, Owen, 21, and Matthew, 17.

Paula added: "We are all so proud that our parents have reached this special milestone and to receive a telegram from the King and Queen is a privilege and very special achievement."

Meanwhile, Paula and her husband Stephen will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in June, and Wayne and his wife Helen will celebrate their silver wedding anniversary (25 years) in August.