A SOUTHAMPTON couple have celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Iris and Peter Minard, 91 and 92, were married on Easter Monday on March 26, 1951, in the St Mary's Chantry.

The couple have lived all their working lives in Southampton and currently live in Bassett.

Peter spent most of his working life at Vosper Thornycroft and Iris taught music throughout the city for 30 years.

Peter and Iris Minard on their wedding day in 1951.

Peter and Iris Minard on their wedding day in 1951.

They have one daughter, Heather who is married to Trevor, two grandchildren Lara and Fraser who are both married and recently two great grandchildren, Audrey and Otis.

Iris was a city magistrate for 27 years and was also awarded ‘Citizen of the Year’ in 1986 for service to music in the city.

She has been very involved with Southampton Schools Music Association over many year which is still a passion of hers.

Iris has read the Daily Echo from "cover to cover" for 70 years and is an avid contributor with letters on current issues.

Peter was a shipwright at Vospers where he did his apprenticeship and then continued most of his working life there until its closure, building frigates and HMS Southampton.

He retired as a training instructor at the Marine Training Trust.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Iris said: "We have had 70 very happy years together.

"We help each other and work together very well. Peter has always been there to help me.

"We were married in 1951. The day was dull, we didn't have any sun."

Yesterday, Iris and Peter received a letter of congratulations from the Queen as they celebrate their platinum anniversary.

Iris said the card was a "nice surprise".

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions in place, celebrations for the anniversary are currently on hold.

Heather, the couple's daughter, has organised a Zoom party and have arranged for family and friends to "link in" from across the UK and Australia.

On March 28, Iris will be celebrating her 92nd birthday.