THIS diamond pair's love will continue to shine on as a "beacon of marriage" for other couples.
Talented Patrick Laanchbury, 85, built a five foot lighthouse for his wife Iris, 89, in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary.
A real labour of love, it stands as a symbol for marriage in their Humber Terrace garden in Grimsby – and Patrick hopes other couples will be inspired by its message.
He said: "This is not only an anniversary gift for Iris, it is a beacon of hope for all married couples.
"Marriage is an institution that isn't upheld as much anymore. The lighthouse is for everyone who is married."
The lighthouse joins a number of sculptures, furniture and paintings lovingly crafted by art school graduate Patrick – including a scaled-down model of the Holmehill School clock and Grimsby Dock Tower, displayed at the National Heritage Fishing Centre.
The pair met after the Second World War in Romford, London, at Hoovers, where Iris – who had fled the city after her house was bombed in the blitz – worked and Patrick visited as an accounts clerk.
He had recently returned home from war, serving in the Royal Air Force (RAF) for six years – including three years in Hong Kong.
Almost instantly his eyes met hers across the office, and at the staff Christmas party, he grabbed his opportunity and invited Iris to dance the first of many dances with him.
They married in June, 1953, and moved back to London where Patrick worked for the British School of Motoring teaching driving instructors.
They had three children, Karen, Paul and David – who lives in Great Coates – before moving up to Lincolnshire because Patrick's mother, who they lived with, wanted to return to the place she was born.
In 1989 they moved into their Humber Terrace home, where the lighthouse will soon be fitted with a lightbulb, providing light as the cultured couple sip wine beneath it on their garden patio.
Iris continued: "I was amazed when I saw my lighthouse. I knew he was up to something, but I thought he was making me a pot for my plants.
"I didn't know how clever he was when I married him and now our house is filled with all the things he makes."
Patrick added: "We have had our ups and downs but we have our own interests and hobbies. I have my art and Iris has her pen pals.
"After this length of marriage, a lot of people go on about their age, that they are old. Age isn't relevant, you are as young as you feel.
"Presenting Iris with the lighthouse was a wonderful feeling. Nowadays women marry men who can't even wire a plug. They should marry someone who is practical and can do things."
Iris added: "A good sense of humour is also important."
