THEY are the platinum couple. Hilda and Joe Hope were today toasting an amazing 70 years of marriage.

The tea party with friends and relatives at their Southampton home was set to be a double celebration as Hilda, 91 today, was married on her 21st birthday in 1936.

The couple moved to Southampton in 1951 where they had various jobs as shop assistants, including working for many years in the city's well-established Tyrrell and Green department store in Above Bar before it was taken over by John Lewis and moved to WestQuay.

Joe, 93, was a relief bar manager and also served in the armed forces for more than two years. He was stationed in the Shetland Islands but was forced to retire early because of the effects of a childhood case of TB.

Successful ingredient

The couple said that having a good working life was a successful ingredient in their long-lasting marriage.

"We would go to work and be apart during the day and come home to each other," said Hilda.

"I've always loved talking to people," added Hilda, who also worked in a wool shop in Portswood and continued serving customers at her local newsagents until she retired at the age of 85.

"I would really enjoy a good chat to everyone who came into the shops and get to know them. It was a lot of fun meeting new people."

The couple, who have lived in Westwood Road, Portswood, for 15 years, are still active and go to the local shops every morning.

"I make sure we both go so we can get some good exercise," said Hilda.

She has fond memories of her wedding day: "My mum bought me my wedding dress without me even knowing," she said.

"I never saw it until my wedding and I always remember my dad saying: 'Well lass, you'll never look as pretty as you do today'."

"We also had a wonderful drive around Liverpool before the ceremony," she added.

Speaking of her love for husband Joe, Hilda said: "It's been a happy time together and I would be lost without him. I really don't know what I would do."