TWO best friends who are ‘still very much in love’ are celebrating their platinum wedding anniversary.

Les and Hilda Racle, who live together at Ash Tree House care home in Hindley, celebrated their 70th anniversary with family and friends.

The happy couple, who lived in Leigh for 20 years before moving to Astley, have a daughter, a son, five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Jean emigrated to New Zealand 30 years ago but made the trip back to England with husband Paul to be with Les and Hilda on their special day.

Les said: “We are so happy, we are still the best of friends even after 70 years of marriage.

“Live, love and be happy, and you can’t go wrong.”

The couple, now aged 92 and 90, were married on April 20, 1946 at Saint Clements Church in Urmston, aged 22 and 20, while Les was on leave from the Royal Navy.

“After our honeymoon in Blackpool I had to return to my ship,” he said.

“I bought Hilda’s wedding ring in Australia and I had it with me while I served in the Pacific.”

After his service the couple bought their first house for £750 – a semi-detached property which had been rebuilt after it was demolished during an air raid.

They were delighted to receive an anniversary card from the Queen marking their special day last week.

Kathryn Disley, manager of Ash Tree House care home, said: “We were all so excited to celebrate such a wonderful occasion with Les and Hilda and their family.

“They are a perfect couple and still very much in love.

“They are inseparable and always smiling and laughing.”