Two daughters have paid tribute to their parents who were married for 66 years and died within two days of each other.

Arthur James Rose, known as Jimmy, died on July 3, aged 89, from renal failure. His wife, Joyce, who suffered from Parkinson's and dementia died on July 5 aged 83.

Their daughters, Barbara Leathersich and Jean Everson both said their parents would be remembered as incredibly loving, caring and hardworking people who would do anything for anyone.

Mrs Leathersich said: 'They married on March 3, 1945, in Mellis, near Diss. Mum was 17 and dad was 23.

'Their wedding reception was in Mellis village hall which was a corrugated iron building.'

Their daughter, Jean, was the first born, followed by their second daughter, Barbara, and two sons Michael and Peter.

Mrs Leathersich said: 'We had some wonderful times together. They were very much involved in their grandchildren and great grandchildren's lives. Mum was always happy when there were children around. Even when she was in hospital and didn't respond to our voices, she responded to a child's voice.'

Mr and Mrs Rose, who lived in Shotesham Road, Poringland, had 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and another expected within the next few weeks.

Mr Rose worked as a cowman and retired in his early 1970s after breaking his ankle working on a farm in Horning. Mrs Rose was in the land army.

Mrs Everson said: 'We used to groom the cows with Dad and take them up to the Norfolk Show.'

She said he enjoyed a lot of success at the event and also at other major shows including events in London.

A photograph of Mr Rose receiving an award was placed in his coffin.

Mr Rose also enjoyed going to Great Yarmouth horse races while Mrs Rose was an enthusiastic bingo player.

Mrs Everson added: 'Dad hadn't been well for six years.

'Mum was in hospital for seven weeks before she died and dad didn't feel right without her. The people at the renal unit were absolutely wonderful.'

Mrs Leathersich said the secret to their long and happy marriage was tolerance and give and take. She said her dad would do anything for her mum.

lucy.wright@archant.co.uk