A scouse nan has given her ultimate relationship advice for a long and happy marriage.
Joan Prescott met her childhood sweetheart Stewart Prescot, 90, at a dance at the age of 16 and they have been married for the last 67 years. Joan, 87, has lived in Melling all her life and is well known in the area, most of all for her role in helping to run Melling Youth Club.
The ECHO spoke to Joan as part of our How It Used To Be series, drawing focus to people's own personal stories and experiences of living here across the generations. Joan told the ECHO: "I've always lived in Melling and so has my husband. He was evacuated during the war.
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"I wouldn't live anywhere else, I love it. There was only 90 houses in Melling, now there's at least 700 and they're still building but you've got to move with the changes.
"If you get the right partner you can have a wonderful life, get the wrong one and your life will be hell."
Joan said the secret for a long and happy marriage is: "You give and take and be honest with one another. Say what you've got to say, even if it's hurtful and get over it."
Joan has two daughters, one grandson and one great grandson, but she's also been an unofficial nan to countless other children in the community who attend Melling Youth Club every Wednesday. From games of football and hockey to days out at go karting rallies and escape rooms, the youth club put on a range of different activities each week.
Joan has previously won awards in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the youth of the area and said it's the volunteering that keeps her going. She said: "We don't get paid, I've never had a penny off them.
"I do it because I love being with the children. I just think it's a lovely thing for the children. It keeps me going.
"There's nowhere for children to go and you couldn't have 20 in your house. There's children who stay in their houses usually playing on their laptop or something - these are children who want to mix.
"I dread the day when I can't go. I'm one of those that has got to be on the go all the time."
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