BROMSGROVE couple Stan and Eileen Goldsworthy have notched up an incredible 70 years together as man and wife and have celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary.

Their early life together was tough.

Mr Goldsworthy, now 90, spent a year in hospital after being seriously injured at Falaise, after the D Day landings in the Second World War, and when they married neighbours donated the wedding dress and put together their ration coupons for the food.

But, 70 years on, they are still as in love as ever.

"She's been a marvellous wife," said Mr Goldsworthy.

"She had to work while I was in hospital all those years ago and life was tough to start with."

Mrs Goldsworthy, aged 89, said: "I still love him - he's been very good.

"I don't know if there's a secret recipe for a long and happy marriage - but we have always got on very well and had a happy life."

Mrs Goldsworthy, a farmer's daughter from Puddleston in Herefordshire, was doing war effort work at the Austin factory in Longbridge when she met her future husband, who was receiving treatment for his war wounds in Northfield.

He cut a "dashing" figure in his army uniform when they first met at the Black Horse pub in Northfield, where he had taken some fellow patients during their rehabilitation.

The couple, now living in The Longlands, Barnt Green, married on June 23, 1945 at the former St Bartholomew's Church in Frankley and had their reception at her sister's house in Northfield.

They first set up home in lodgings in Northfield and later moved to Sparkhill, Birmingham, and then to Smethwick.

Both worked in the grocery trade and later moved to Lickey, where they owned the post office in Rose Hill for about 20 years.

While they were in Lickey they won awards for their garden and still continue to garden at their current home.

Mr and Mrs Goldsworthy, who have four children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, celebrated their special anniversary with a family lunch in a hotel and a tea party for friends in their garden at Barnt Green.

Their son, Colin Goldsworthy, aged 71, who lives near Hereford, said: "They've been exceptional parents - it's lovely having them as our mum and dad."