THEY have spent 70 years by each others’ side.

Bill and Dorothy Tennet are both 92, and live together in their Bishopstoke home.

Having grown up together and marrying in South Shields, they moved to Hampshire in 1969 to be closer to Bill’s work as a shipping captain.

Today the pair celebrate their platinum anniversary after marrying in 1947.

It was the year where rationing was still in place following the Second World War, newspapers were limited to four pages and India gained independence.

In the 70 years since, the population of the UK has grown by 14 million, cars are now commonplace and the internet has connected the world.

With three children, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Dorothy says that there is no secret to a long and happy marriage, but that they work hard for each other.

Dorothy spent her working life as an audio typist, learning shorthand and furthering her career before raising their three children; Adrian, 61, Michael, 66, and Beverley, 57.

Dorothy said: “We were 13 when we first met but it wasn’t quite love at first sight.

“We’ve had such a lovely life together; Bill was a captain and before he retired we were lucky enough to sail around the world.”

Bill spent his working life on ships, operating for South Marine as well as working on tankers and mail vessels.

The final ship he captained was the S.A. Zebebield, sailing around the world in 1978 before retirement.

Dorothy added: “We have always been kind and tried our best.

“I keep up hobbies and I bowl in Bishopstoke too, we feel part of the community together.”

On top of his work on the water, Bill also launched the Bishopstoke 50 plus club 30 years ago.

The club, based at St Paul’s Church, still runs today and meets on the second Friday of every month.

Their son Adrian said: “They have been brilliant parents to us all.

“I don’t know if they have a secret to it, but I’m very proud of them.”