THIS happy couple from Hampshire are about to achieve platinum status.

Gwen and Howard Crook are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary today.

The couple, who have lived in Bishopstoke for the past 65 years, have a family party planned once Covid restrictions ease and have received special congratulations from The Queen on their impressive milestone.

Childhood sweethearts Gwendoline, nee Mosney, and Howard both grew up in Swaythling. They first met when they were just seven years old.

They are pictured on their wedding day May 14 1951 outside South Stoneham Church in Swaythling.

The Crooks have two children, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Daily Echo:

Gwen, who is 92, started working in the offices of Oakley and Watling aged 14 and then worked for Misslebrook and Weston.

Howard, now aged 93, worked at Pirelli Cables in Eastleigh for over 40 years, working his way up to Engineering Manager. He travelled all over the world with his job.

Until four years ago, the couple were regular visitors to Tasmania to see their daughter.

The Crooks were married in the year when the first passenger jet trip was taken and colour TV was first seen. 1951 was also the year that rock n roll hit the mainstream and Winston Churchill returned as an MP. A Streetcar Named Desire starring Marlon Brando was one of the big films.

Back then, the average house price was £2,064, the average weekly wage was £9.25 and a pint of milk cost 3p. For £1, you could have bought 15 pints of beer, 14 fish suppers or gone to the cinema ten times.