A BOURNEMOUTH couple have celebrated their 70th anniversary with a party just around the corner from the church in which they wed.

Peggie and Eddie Webb got married at Moordown St John’s Church in July 1943 and then walked across the road to the former Moderne cinema for a celebration.

The pair, who are both Bournemouth born and bred, are currently living in sheltered accommodation in nearby Coronation Avenue, where they marked 70 years of marriage with their family and friends.

The couple met when they were both serving in the Royal Air Force.

Peggie, 91, said: “We used to go in the Naafi and we met in there. I must admit I didn’t think it would last all this time but he’s lovely, he’s so thoughtful and I wouldn’t be without him.”

The pair went on to have three children, though one has since passed away, 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

When asked the secret of their long marriage, Eddie, 92, joked: “Behave yourself, that’s what I’ve had to do!

“We have rows – who doesn’t – but only tiffs, never anything serious. ”

After leaving the air force, Eddie worked as a butcher and the pair lived in Southbourne before moving to Moordown.

A special party was held at their sheltered housing block to commemorate their anniversary.