Derrick and Margaret Buxton met on a trip to Bridlington – set up by her aunt – and started a courtship that would soon become a long-distance relationship when he was called up to the Army.

They kept in touch by letter and married at Whittington Methodist Church, on March 29, 1948, on Derrick's return.

Mrs Buxton (79) said: "We didn't have a fantastic big wedding or a honeymoon. We couldn't afford things like that after the war."

Mr Buxton (79) worked down the mines before moving into sales while his wife completed 26 years at the former Post Office in Chesterfield.

The pair, who live at Hillside Close, Whitwell, have three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Proud mum Margaret said: "Having my children was a highlight of our marriage and they have all turned out very well, and so have our grandchildren – it's a wonderful feeling."

The diamond pair enjoyed an anniversary meal with the family at the Royal Oak in Barlborough.

And she had this advice for young sweethearts: "You've got to be very compatible and you've got to look after each other."