A DEVOTED Runcorn couple celebrate their diamond wedding today.

Joyce and Eric Madden, both aged 80, met at a school dance when they were teenagers.

They will have a special blessing at St Mary’s Church in Halton Village on Sunday, followed by a family party.

Great-gran Joyce, from Palacefields said: “It was love at first sight. He was very gentlemanly.”

She started work at 15 at British American Tobacco as a cleaner and was promoted to the parcel department.

Joyce said: “Eric was an office boy in a shipping company and worked his way up to becoming manager.

“He used to travel all over the world. In the late 50s and 60s we visited Sri Lanka and France through his job.

“We’ve had a wonderful marriage with lots of happy memories. We’ve had our ups and downs like every other couple.

“Eric always worked hard to provide for our family. I don’t think people take marriage seriously enough these days.

“We made our vows to be kept.”

Joyce worked at Halton Hospital’s kitchen for 17 years until she retired.

She said: “We used to go round the wards feeding patients and putting dinners out. I loved it.”

Sadly, she said Eric has developed Altzheimer’s disease.

Joyce said: “It is pretty tough at the moment. It’s a shame he can’t remember things.

“My family has been wonderful. I don’t think I could have coped without them.”

The couple has four children, Paula, aged 58, Peter, aged 55, Janet, aged 50, and Sandy, aged 46, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

They are very proud of their grandson, 22-year-old Adam, a former St Chad’s pupil, who is currently serving with the Royal Air Force in Afghanistan, where he is training to be a fireman.

Joyce and Eric Madden celebrating their diamond wedding