A former goalkeeper and his wife have celebrated netting 60 years of marriage.

Philip and Jean Bradley were married at St George’s Church and held their reception at the Moss Rose Hotel, next door to Macclesfield Town Football Club.

It was an appropriate venue as Philip was a talented shot-stopper for the Silkmen’s reserve team, as well as playing for Parkside FC, based at the former hospital, for 20 years.

Sport played a bigger role in the couple’s big day as it was paid for by Jean’s father Tom after he won £60 on the horses.

Philip, 83, and Jean, 84, who live on Princess Way, Broken Cross, still have the original receipt for the £22 wedding reception which included 57 Teas, two bottles of both port and sherry.

Despite their windfall the couple could not afford a honeymoon. But they made up for it with plenty of holidays around the UK during their life together.

Philip had a varied working career and at one time working 14 hour days at Shrigley Dyers in Bollington, while Jean, whose maiden name was Forster, worked as an embroideress at various firms.

They have two children Gary and Janice, four grandchildren and one grandson.

Philip said: “Not a lot of people get to reach 60 years of marriage, so it feel very special.

“Jean and I have always got on very well. We had our roles in the marriage, as well as our own hobbies and interests, so we really enjoyed the time we spent together. There were disagreements, but we never argued or fell out.”

The couple celebrated their anniversary with a party at Broken Cross Social Club. They requested donations to East Cheshire Hospice in lieu of gifts and raised £760.

They also received a card from the Queen.