81 Years of Marriage in 101 Years of Life

Britain's longest living married couple have celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary. BBC

Frank and Anita Milford, who live together in a nursing home in Plymouth, Devon, exchanged vows on 26 May, 1928. ( The same year penicillin was discovered)

Frank is 101 and Anita will be 101 next month. In February they will break the record to become the longest married couple in Britain.

They say they still have little arguments, but will always have a kiss and cuddle before they go to bed.

The pair, who said there was no "magic secret" to a happy marriage, met at a YMCA dance in the St Budeaux area of Plymouth in 1926 and were married two years later at Torpoint register office.

Blitz escape

Mr Milford worked at Devonport dockyard until his retirement at the age of 60.

The couple stayed in Plymouth throughout the Second World War and the Blitz, twice having narrow escapes from bombs - including one which fell on their house.

They have two children, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Their 74-year-old son, also called Frank, said the main secret of his parents' wedded bliss was simply being happy with each other.

"They've enjoyed themselves, enjoyed their lives very much but they've been always very content with their lot," he said.

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