A COUPLE who have spent more than 50 years living in a village are celebrating their diamond wedding.

Bob and Mary Coglan married at St Mary’s Parish Church in Ulverston on May 6 1961 and have spent a wonderful 60 years together.

The couple, who live in Haverthwaite, have three children; Kim, Rob, and Jill and six grandchildren.

Mary, 79, who spent over 20 years working at Grange Library, said: “It’s been a busy life but a good one. We’ve had an incredible experience together.

Bob, 84, played for Furness Rugby Club and gained a county cap for Cumberland and Westmorland in 1957 before signing for York RLFC in 1960.

His rugby career carried on with Barrow and Blackpool before retiring and starting to play and coach in the amateur rugby teams locally.

He worked as an electrician in Vickers at Barrow before contracting and ended up retiring from Sellafield.

His son and grandson have both followed in his footsteps both on the rugby field and as electricians.

Kim has had a career working as a nurse for the NHS.

The couple have enjoyed lots of holidays, most recently in Hong Kong where their youngest daughter Jill lives and works.

Celebrations will be put on hold until friends and family can all celebrate together properly.

Instead, they will enjoy a quiet celebration at home in their much-loved garden.

Kim spoke warmly of her parents’ anniversary.

She said: “They’re much-loved parents and grandparents.

“Mum’s baking is the most popular thing with the grandchildren.

“When she knows that they’re coming round to see them she bakes so many lovely treats for them.

“She bakes enough to feed 5,000.

“They love her and dad so very much. They’re the best parents and grandparents ever.

“Dad has always been into his sport. Outside rugby he did some cricket, shooting, fishing, and other things. He had such an incredible career.

“Our plan of action for May 6 at the moment might be to combine her birthday next year with the anniversary this year as they will only be allowed six people to see them.

“The next thing to wait for is the telegram from Her Majesty. That would be such a nice thing for them to have.

“We love you both.”