It may seem like only yesterday that they walked down the aisle together, but it is in fact 60 years  since  Springhill Care Home’s diamond couple Tom and Phyllis Hoskin tied the knot.

And according to resident Phyllis (83), husband Tom (84) is still the gentleman she married on June 18, 1949 at Accrington’s New Church.

“He’s marvellous! He was always a gentleman when we first met and he still is. He’d hold my hand as we walked down the street and was always very generous. There’s not many like him!”  she lovingly admitted at the Fairfield Street home this week.

Staff who have witnessed Tom’s devotion to his wheelchair bound wife – who was admitted to Springhill in November 2007 following a fall - couldn’t disagree.

Manager Kath Parkinson says: “There isn’t a day goes by that Tom doesn’t visit Phyllis. You can almost set your clock by him. “

“It is often sad when a couple who have been together as long as Tom and Phyllis have to be separated because of health problems but I’m sure they’re as close as ever. Phyllis looks forward to his visits immensely.”

Tom, who admitted it was “lonely” living without Phyllis at their Accrington home despite regular family visitors, said the secret of a long and happy marriage was “getting on with it.”

“Whatever happens just get on with it! That’s what we did in our day,” he added.

The pair who met through the New Church, were married after Tom was demobbed from the Army. Although Tom worked in Manchester as a wages administrator until his retirement 20 years ago, they have always lived in Accrington.

They have two sons Ian and Neil and four grandchildren Matthew, Paul, Emily and Peter.

Springhill staff, who organised a party to mark the diamond anniversary on June 18, joined Tom, Phyllis and relatives in toasting their health and happiness over a glass of sherry. They also presented them with a cake and bouquet of flowers.