KEN Haran spotted the girl of his dreams while cleaning the windows of a Bradford factory.

He asked her out on a date, they met at Lister Park bandstand - and this week they celebrated 70 happy years of marriage.

Ken, 93, and Edna, 95, have received a congratulations card from the Queen for their Diamond Wedding anniversary. The couple, who live at Scarborough Court sheltered housing in Cullingworth, have been celebrating with members of their family.

Ken was a young window cleaner on his rounds at a raincoat factory when he saw Edna working there. They got married at St Paul’s Church in Manningham on July 7, 1951 and lived in Heaton for more than 30 years, before moving to Sandy Lane. They have three children, Geoff, Jean and Peter, three grandchildren, Katie, Luke and Greg, and two great grandchildren, Joshua and Rosie.

The couple, who had their honeymoon in Blackpool, say their secret to a long and happy marriage is “always talking things through and being kind to each other”.

“We have been lucky in life, with amazing family and wonderful friends,” said Ken.

Ken was in the Army before working at General Cleaning Company, which he later ran with his sons. “Dad employed a lot of cleaners, I’m sure there will be many people who remember him,” said daughter Jean Holmes, who visits Ken and Edna every day. “Mum and Dad are now house bound, I’m their carer and look after them, along with the carers that come in. They have been isolating through Covid and have coped really well. They‘ve loved seeing their grandchildren and great grandchildren waving to them through the window.”

Over the past year the couple have celebrated birthdays and Christmas Day chatting to family members through their window.

“If it had been a normal year the children would have gone inside for some cuddles and some chocolate, but seeing them through the window has been better than nothing,” said Jean. “It’s just missing the hugs more than anything. The children are little but they understand. They’ve been waving at the window and blowing kisses.

“It’s lovely to be able to celebrate their anniversary with them now. Dad bought Mum a big bouquet of flowers and Joshua and Rosie gave them a drawing. They were thrilled to get a card from the Queen.

“Dad didn’t retire until he was 82, and he was still driving at 89. They have always been fit and active. They love watching sport, especially snooker, horse racing and football. Dad stayed up to watch England in the semi-final and is excited about Sunday’s final.”