A couple from Bickley who have known each other since they were 12 celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary

Ivy and Denis Nelligan, 88 and 89, marked the platinum occasion on Tuesday (March 31) after seven decades of wedded bliss.

The couple, who have known each other since they were 12, went on their first date when they were around 14-years-old.

They separated later, but finally tied the knot in Bermondsey in 1945.

They moved to Bickley, near Southborough Road, in 1970.

Married while Mr Nelligan was on leave, he was in the RAF during the Second World War as a radar engineer.

The couple on their wedding day

It had been a dream of Mr Nelligan’s to fly planes in the war and he had a private pilot’s license.

With the first of their four children born in 1950, they now have 10 grand-children and seven great grand-children.

Their youngest daughter, Margaret, 51, said: "They’ve been very hard workers, my father retired in 1995 from selling medical equipment.

"My mother stayed at home with the children, and I think she would say patience is the secret to a long marriage.

MORE TOP STORIES "But I think my father would say keeping active and having lots of interests is important.

"They’re keen to get on with life; they see everything as an opportunity.

"I don’t think they thought they would get to this milestone."

The couple also received a card from the Queen on the big day.