Key to 70-year marriage? Don't go to bed arguing

Patti and Bob Egerton tied the knot on 8th October 1955

A couple who are celebrating their 70th anniversary said never going to bed "on an argument" was the key to a happy marriage.

Patti and Bob Egerton, from Tunbridge Wells, met while both working at a Woolworths store in their hometown of Birmingham, and were married at Hall Green church in 1955.

Their wedding reception was held nearby in the back garden of Mrs Egerton's aunt's house, with the bride wearing a homemade dress.

Asked how other couples could stay together for seven decades, she said: "Never go to sleep in an argument, stay close to your family and always have a laugh with each other."

Mr Egerton, 93, added: "You have to be prepared to change and blend with each other."

The couple's honeymoon - a week in Bournemouth - was very different to those today, he said.

"Patti paid £7.50 for bed, breakfast and evening meal for the two of us," he said.

"We left our wedding reception at half one in the afternoon, and I was back at work on the nightshift seven days later."

Patti and Bob Egerton held their wedding reception in the back garden of an aunt's house

As Mr Egerton's career developed from working on the shop floor to becoming an influential music buyer, the couple moved home 17 times before settling in Tunbridge Wells.

"We wanted to be close to our two daughters and their families," said Mrs Egerton, 90.

"It's important to see them as much as we can."

The couple have received a message of congratulations from The King and Queen for their 70th wedding anniversary

King Charles III and Queen Camilla recently sent the Egertons a message of congratulations for their platinum anniversary.

They were also sent messages from the late Queen Elizabeth II to mark their 60th and 65th anniversaries.

In a nod to their wedding reception 70 years ago, the couple are holding a party for family and friends in a marquee in their back garden.

"All of the tables are named after the departments of old Woolworths stores," says youngest daughter Debbie Harris.

"My sister Mandy and I have had a lot of fun resizing old photographs. Mum and Dad always looked so glamorous!"