RETIRED train driver Terry Broker can still vividly remember the day he first spotted his wife Brenda on a station platform.

"It was love at first sight," said Terry, 85. "I had just finished work. I was going to Northwich and Brenda was going to Altrincham. We started chatting and for our first date I took her to the pictures."

The couple, from Barnton, married two years later and are now celebrating their diamond wedding.

Love, determination and commitment have kept them on the right track as they enjoyed a very happy life with their four children Sally, Susan, Mark and Tony, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Northwich Guardian:

Terry and Brenda Broker on their wedding day on July 1, 1959

Treasured memories of family holidays at various Butlin seaside camps fill their photo albums.

Through happy and sad times they have always been there for each other.

Plucky Terry has conquered cancer three times and recently completed 20 sessions of radiotherapy, finishing treatment in April.

"I like to keep active," said Terry, who still drives his car. "I climb ladders and do all the decorating, wallpapering and painting."

He started his 50-year career on the railways driving steam trains.

"It was great," he said. "I travelled all over the country, York, Carlisle, Rugby. Steam trains were great, I really enjoyed it."

Terry also served as a part-time firefighter in Northwich and is the only surviving member of his watch.

"We had a bell in the house. I was on 24-hour call. It was a busy station, we had some terrible house fires. You have to forget about it when you go home but I still remember them now."

He served two years national service, spending most of his time in Germany.

Northwich Guardian:

Terry and Brenda Broker will be celebrating their diamond wedding at a special meal with their family

Brenda, 87, worked as a machinist for a furrier in Manchester.

"It was hard work," she said. "We worked upstairs at a shop selling mink and furs. We had lots of repairs. Customers used to like to see the coats being worn so we had a chance to try them on.

"I've always liked sewing, embroidery and needlework. I knitted all the children's jumpers. I can't do much now as I have arthritis."

Terry only recently gave up his allotment after growing fresh fruit and vegetables on a plot near his home for 30 years.

"He grew strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, beans, peas, onions, everything!" said Brenda, who still loves cooking.

"Terry helps me a lot, we work together as a team."

Terry added: "Brenda cooks a good meal every night.

The couple will be celebrating their anniversary at a special meal with their family.

Granddaughter Lisa Woakes, from Kingsmead, said: "My grandad is very independent. He just gets on with things and won't ask for help off anybody.

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"When he was going for radiotherapy, he was going to drive himself to Manchester for his appointment.

"Being so independent helps as you get older. I hope to be like them when I'm that age."