GOLDEN wedding duo Mary and Terry Talbot celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage at Leigh St Joseph's Church with around 300 wellwishers at Leigh Miners' Welfare Institute.

Among the guests were the Talbot's children, Anne, Maureen, Terry and Patsy, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

After leaving Our Lady of the Rosary's RC school in Leigh, Mr Talbot went on to art school in Salford and his first job was working as an artist for Great Universal Stores, drawing models to promote their fashion wear.

He later painted advertisements promoting Blackpool Zoo and also worked at David Brown's Tractors in Leigh and Turner Brothers Asbestos at Hindley Green from where he retired in 1986.

Former Leigh St Joseph's RC and Bolton Mount St Joseph's RC Grammar pupil Mrs Talbot was a keen dressmaker, who made her own bridal gown and her bridesmaids' dresses and also those of her daughters many years later. She worked at the Leigh Co-op Store in Bradshawgate and at Tilly & Hendersons, Leigh, before motherhood.

Talented tenor Mr Talbot sang locally in clubs and he and his wife performed in Gilbert & Sullivan operas at St Joseph's Sodality Hall.

Mr Talbot continued his interest in amateur dramatics and worked with St Jo's for many years probably best known for playing the dame in many pantomimes. His last performance was at the tribute to their old friend Dorothy Galvin a couple of years ago.

Entertainment at the 50th anniversary party included a spot by their son Terry, well known on the Leigh pubs and clubs scene.

Gifts on the night included donations of over £1,000 which Mr and Mrs Talbot are donating to Wigan and Leigh Hospice in memory of their friend, Julie Lord, who died earlier this year.