Platinum celebrations for Doreen and Brian

"There was still rationing then - we were all still coming out of the war, really - but it gave us the chance to save up and get our own home.”

The couple had three daughters, and now have seven grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.

Doreen said: “It’s lovely because almost all of the family live close by, so we’re a close bunch.”

One of their daughters, Tracie Bennet, thanked people for their kind messages and all who attended the platinum wedding party at the Miners Social Club in Coalpit Heath.

Doreen says she and Brian have had 70 very happy years.

She said: "We’ve had our arguments the same as everyone, and it’s hard bringing up children, but if you have a row you’ve got to make up - there’s no point holding grudges for too long.

"I think as you get older you get more tolerant, and it’s lovely to get to 70 years."