Platinum anniversary couple reveal their secrets to 70 years of marriage

Norma Timms proved the old adage that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

She is celebrating her 70th wedding anniversary with husband John today.

Their love was put to the test soon after they got together when he was conscripted to the army for two years, but regular postal deliveries of Norma's home-made cakes kept them together.

They married at St Luke's Church in Redditch on June 11, 1949 and have three children, Helen, Hilary and Mary.

The Bourne couple will celebrate with family.

Daughter Helen Goulding said: “ Their steadfastness, mutual support and palpable love for each other is an inspiration to our whole family."

The couple met at school in Redditch and began their romance after joining a youth club rub by the local vicar.

After John finished his National Service and they got married, he worked as a quality control manager in an industrial paints firm and Norma worked in finance.

John, 90, was a keen sportsman and as a member of a swimming club often competed in river races. He enjoys making things and can still found spending long hours at his work bench surrounded by power tools.

Norma, 89, was an accomplished pianist and also enjoyed dressmaking and cake making with sugar-craft icing. In retirement she has enjoyed painting.

The couple also volunteered as swimming teachers together for many years.

Despite their similarities the couple have different views on the secret to a long marriage. Norma said: "It's all about give and take" but John said: "Keeping quiet"