TWO former Mayors of Warrington are to celebrate another major milestone in their action-packed lives this week.

Ivy and Harold Edwards, of Cobden Street, will be celebrating 40 years of wedded bliss on Sunday, August 20.

The husband and wife team have clocked up more than 50 years between them as borough councillors, and were each Mayor of the town - Harold between 1979 and 1980, and Ivy from 1984 to 1985. They were also made honorary freemen of the borough in 1987 and 1997 respectively.

But their dedication to helping the community didn't stop there. Harold was president of the Citizens' Advice Bureau and was awarded the MBE in June 1995 for his work with the organisation.

He was also a lay-preacher and was presented with a commemorative bible by the Chester and Merseyside Preachers' Association after 73 years' service.

Ivy was a serving sister with the St John Ambulance Service, for which she was given a special award in 1998. They were also both involved in the Warrington Co-Operative Party for many years.

Ivy, now aged 74, and Harold, who is 98, met at a Christian holiday home in Cromer, Cambridgeshire, 42 years ago. They had both been married before and each had a daughter, Susan and Ruth, from their first relationships, but had split up from their partners.

Susan said: "Another woman tagged along with dad, but he wanted to get rid of her so he got friendly with mum!

"They wrote to each other for two years before going on holiday together. Then they decided to get married. Mum moved to Warrington from her home in Southall and they have been here together ever since."

The ruby couple, who now have six grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, plan to celebrate with a party on Sunday. All their friends are welcome to join them at their home at 33, Cobden Street, between 1pm and 4pm.

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