A GREAT Sankey couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Thursday with the best wishes of their 40-strong family.

George and Audrey Wren, both aged 81, have six children, including a set of twins. They also have 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild, baby Corrie, aged one.

They have lived in Friends Lane, Great Sankey nearly all their life.

Mr Wren lived next door to their current home from the age of 16, while his wife had an aunt and uncle living in the street.

They first met on one of Audrey's visits to see her relatives and were married at the age of 21 in 1945 at St Mary's Church, Great Sankey.

After a brief spell living in Hood Lane, Sankey Bridges, the couple returned to the street which has been their home ever since.

George served in the Army during the Second World War as part of the medical corps.

He worked for Thames Board for 21 years and at Crosfields for another seven, while Audrey was a cleaner for 18 years at the now defunct Greystone Heath Boys School.

The couple were keen travellers both at home and abroad and made several trips to see Mr Wren's two sisters in America.

Their daughter Maureen Burrell, of Dale Close, Sankey Bridges, said: "They used to fly abroad a lot but my mum likes keeping her feet firmly on the floor now!

"She loves spending time with her family.

"We're really close and we all love them to bits."

Their large extended family celebrated the special occasion in style at the Sportsman pub on Warrington Road.

Maureen said: "Twenty five of us were there, we have to draw the line somewhere!"