Head-over-heels in'¨love after 70 years

Wearing a gown of pure white silk and carrying a bouquet of roses, the blushing bride was the shining star of the show.

Now, 70 years on, the couple remains closer than ever as they celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary.

The pair met at a social club in Urmston, Manchester, in the midst of the Second World War.

Peggy worked in the shipping industry, while war veteran Peter fought against the Italian invasion of Egypt in 1943 before retraining as a school teacher.

After years of holidaying in Blackpool, the couple retired to the resort they loved 30 years ago, and are now both residents of Westholme Care Home on Victoria Street, St Annes.

Their daughter Janice Worswick, 64, said: “From the age of 60 they had a caravan in Blackpool. They loved living here and going for walks along the beach.

“They always said they would never move back to Manchester - and who could blame them!

“They used to look after my daughter Sharon, who has special needs, and take her out to go cycling.

“My mum’s memory isn’t what it used to be but my dad is all right - he was just pining for her. They have a lot in common. They love the same things, they love nature and liked to keep fit.”

Westholme Care Home manager Ashley Bown said: “They are a very loving couple. They are very affectionate and happy. They haven’t been with us very long. Peter was in hospital for a while which is how Peggy came to be with us, and we were counting down the days until he was allowed to come out.

“It’s nice to have a happy couple here. I have worked here for five years and I don’t think we’ve ever had a married couple. They’re definitely the longest-married couple we’ve ever known.”

And the secret to a long and happy marriage?

Proud great-grandad Peter joked: “Arguing – and never winning!”