'I dare you to marry him!'

A WIDNES couple whose marriage came about as a dare are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

Elizabeth Fahey, 78, and husband Thomas Fahey, 81, are marking their years of wedded bliss this week.

Former Simms Cross barmaid Elizabeth recalls the time she first met ex-Fisons worker, Thomas.

Elizabeth said: "I was only 16 when I first met Thomas and remember noticing how tall and handsome he was with his dark curly hair.

"He had returned from South Africa with my brother where they were serving in the forces and I remember whistling after him as he rode away on his bike!

"After that he'd take me to the pictures and we started courting."

"When it came to Valentine's Day, my sister Annie said 'I dare you to ask him to marry you'. So I did and he said 'Yes, certainly'!"

She added: "We've had ups and downs since then, but I'm housebound now and I really don't know what I'd do without him."

The couple, who have eight children and 60 grandchildren and great grandchildren, are planning to celebrate with a family gathering.