A WELLING couple who met as teenagers have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Fred and Dilys Strong, of Porthkerry Avenue, married at St Pauls Church in Plumstead on April 5 1947.

They met when Fred was 15 and Dilys was 17 on May 8 1945, while out celebrating Victory in Europe Day.

Mrs Strong, 84, trained to be a nurse but gave up her career to look after their six children.

Mr Strong was in the Navy aged 17 to 29 and eventually became a teacher until he retired in 1978.

The couple have 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Speaking about the key to a happy marriage, 83-year-old Mr Strong, said: "Thoughtfulness, willingness to work together, doing your bit, having no secrets and pulling together all the time."

He added: "Love doesn't really disappear if it's genuine."