COMPROMISING and respecting each other is what has kept a West End couple together for the past decades.

Joyce and Alfred Chapple will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on April 3 and said they want to enjoy their time together as much as they can.

Joyce, who will be 90 on April 6 and Alfred, 91, met in Exeter in 1944.

They used to see each other every Sunday on their way to meet their friends and started dating.

Joyce, who worked as a clerk for the Associated British Ports in Southampton, said: "We just used to go for a walk and do simple things.

"Nothing exciting but we wanted to spend time together."

The couple got married in Exeter and honeymooned in Bournemouth.

They moved to Southampton in 1964 as Alfred was working as a rail electrical engineer and few years later, they moved to West End where they have been living since.

They have two children and two grandsons and said to have lots of good memories together.

When asked about the secret for a long and happy marriage, Joyce said: "It's important everybody keeps his independence in the couple.

"We don't do anything without discussing and deciding together but we respect each other.

"We got to compromise - that's the secret. I'm lucky because he did a lot for me. He's caring and very kind and always has been."

The couple celebrated with their family and close friends.