A WINSFORD gran has tragically died days before her diamond wedding anniversary.

It was love at first sight for Alan and Alma Lowndes when they met in the 1950s.

The pair got married at St John's Church in Over on December 31, 1960 and have lived in the town all their life.

Alma celebrated Christmas Day with her family but sadly died on Monday in North Staffordshire Hospital.

Her family still wants to cherish their precious diamond wedding anniversary.

Northwich Guardian: Alan and Alma Lowndes on their wedding day, December 31, 1960 Alan and Alma Lowndes on their wedding day, December 31, 1960

Alan and Alma Lowndes on their wedding day, December 31, 1960

Alan, 87, and Alma, 80, have three daughters, Denise, Rachel and Yvonne, two grandchildren Andreas and Tara, and four great grandchildren Brandon, Mia, Renesmee and Harper.

Yvonne said: "We would like to thank all our friends, neighbours and relatives for their cards, kind wishes, condolences and flowers.

“Their diamond wedding is a very special day and has brought back lots of happy memories.

"In their younger days they loved going to Blackpool on holiday and used to take the grandchildren.

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Alan served in the Middle East with the army as a driver with the Royal Signals.

Alan said: "After completing my National Service, I became a HGV driver for a local company. I always came home at night. I used to play football in the army and enjoy watching Winsford United."

Alma worked for Skellons shoe shop in Winsford when she was younger.