A care home resident and his wife are looking forward to a special Valentine’s Day as they prepare to celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary later this year.

Tomorrow (February 14), Alan Partington is going to raise a toast with his wife Barbara at Lightbowne Hall Care Home, Moston, after a lifetime of love and laughs together.

The pair met outside a chip shop in Middleton town centre. Alan, now 83, was in his brother’s car and offered Barbara, now 78, a lift home.

Barbara had just left school and Alan was working in a factory. Romance soon blossomed and they were married aged 22 and 17 at Manchester Register Office on October 26, 1963.

The couple did not have much money when their children were younger. One Christmas, Alan went out and sold his car, which was his pride and joy, so they could give their children presents.

Barbara said: “I will never forget this – he is a wonderful father and husband.”

Lightbowne Hall, owned by Anchor, is a contemporary residential care home set in modern and comfortable surroundings and offers care and facilities, with en-suite rooms, for up to 52 residents.