A COUPLE described as the “very best of friends” have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Clive and Morwena Halliday, of Bryneithin Avenue, Prestatyn, marked their 60 years together with family – and a paddle in the sea.

They have two children, Karen Johnson, 58, and Kevin Halliday, 59, as well as six grandchildren: Simon, Michael, Katie, Calum, Aidan and Finn.

Clive and Morwena, who were both born in the town, married at St John’s church in Prestatyn.

Kevin and Karen were both born in Plymouth when Clive was in the Royal Navy.

In 1959, the family moved to Manchester where Clive joined the fire service. He later served as deputy fire chief in Stafford, as a fire chief in Northern Ireland and finally in Strathclyde where Clive, as fire master, received the Queen’s Fire Service Award.

On his retirement, Clive and Morwena moved back to Prestatyn. They are supporters of The GEM Appeal charity and are past-presidents of Prestatyn Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs.

Daughter Karen said of her parents: “They are the loveliest of people, with kind hearts, and are generous in every way.

"They do everything together and have supported each other and their family through thick and thin.”

She added: "My dad is very well known for his card tricks and can be relied upon to produce a pack of cards at any occasion and amaze everyone with his ‘magic’."

As “great royalists”, the couple were delighted to receive a card from the Queen on their anniversary.

“They have in fact met the Queen when my dad received his fire service award,” Karen said.

“Dad has had various hobbies and pastimes through the years and mum has always supported everything he has done.

“They are both active members of Bryn Newydd bowls club and dad is also a member of Flint male voice choir and has volunteered at CAB in Rhyl and Prestatyn for many years.

“For the anniversary we all met up at their house and went for a family meal – and then we had a quick trip to the beach so mum could do her favourite thing – paddling in the sea!

“The milestone marks a wonderful successful, very happy marriage. They are loved immensely and are great friends to many people.”