A couple of war-time sweethearts have celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Sidmouth residentsStanley and Phyllis Goodwin met as children and eventually married on March 29, 1947, in Plymouth.

The couple spent four years apart during World War Two when Stanley was sent to India to maintain aircrafts with the RAF.

They wrote to eachother during their time apart and still have the letters seven decades on.

Asked what the secret was to wedded bliss, Stanley, 95, said: “Because we love each other - it’s as simple as that. We were meant for eachother, no question.”

Phyllis, 91, was a member of the Women’s Land Army and also looked after children fleeing from bombs during the war.

After returning from abroad, Stanley began building the family’s first home in Plymouth, which took him three years to complete.

The couple also lived in Andover, but moved to Sidmouth after visiting the town during a holiday at Ladram Bay.

Their children, Michael and Linda, organised a surprise part for the great-grandparents-of-six on Wednesday.

Linda, who lives in Honiton, said: “It’s so lovely to have romantic parents.

“I have never seen their letters, but I am proud that he has kept them. We will keep them forever and I will give them to my grandchildren.”

Michael added: “It’s a strong relationship - there’s no doubt about that. It’s a sort of fairytale romance.”