CONGRATULATIONS are in order as a Kingskerswell couple have reached their platinum anniversary, marking 70 years of marriage.

Rose and John Finnemore celebrated the milestone yesterday.

The couple married in Dagenham, Essex, after meeting at a dance in Kingsbridge.

John, who was from the Kingsbridge area travelled up on the train just to get married to the woman he loved.

This was done ‘back when there was a train that went to Kingsbridge’, of course.

Rose was in the Land Army and John was a local farmer.

After working in agriculture for over 20 years, John got a job in a builders merchants in Totnes, one week after being made redundant, where he spent the rest of his career.

They have five children, 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

They have lived in Kingskerswell for 37 years after starting married life in Marlborough near Salcombe.

The couple married in 1950.

Though in light of coronavirus they are limited in options to celebrate the remarkable milestone, the couple will have immediate family around to celebrate.

John said he knew the secret to a long a successful marriage...

‘We always shared everything’ said John. ‘When I had my first pay I went straight home and paid it to my wife, we have done that ever since.’

Wife, Rose, who celebrated her 92nd birthday last month, said she ‘didn’t regret a day of it’ rather abruptly, without any hesitation

Daughter Diane wanted to express her gratitude for her loving upbringing provided by her parents, on behalf of all of the children.

‘Thank you so much for being wonderful parents for all these years’ she said.