A Shepway couple have returned home after jetting off for their first holiday abroad in more than 70 years of marriage.

Charlie Pallett, 93, and wife Madge, 91, travelled the 2,000km to Benidorm in Spain alongside daughters Doreen England, 67, Yvonne Elliott, 65, and granddaughter Leigh Plumbly, 46.

For Madge, it was her first time on a plane, and despite a fear of public transport she thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even taking the opportunity to admire the view.

Mr Pallett has not been in a plane since he flew one for the Royal Army Service Corps during the Second World War.

On arrival the plane's captain even invited the couple on a tour of the cockpit.

Daughter, Yvonne, said: "Mum really loved the flight. We were first on and last off and it was no different for her than a car journey."

The Palletts, who have three children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, have been married for more than seven decades but in that time, they have only holidayed as far as the English coast.

Mrs Elliott said: "Mum and dad had a great time and enjoyed plenty of new experiences, indulging in local food and taking daily trips to the pool where dad lost his dentures on one occasion."

Granddaughter Leigh dived in to search for the missing teeth and with the help of bystanders was able to salvage them.

The plucky pensioners were even treated to a complimentary night out at Benidorm Palace, the destination's top tourist attraction.

Mr Pallett said: "The trip was absolutely fantastic, Benidorm was very nice and the hotel service was excellent. We would definitely go back and I'm interested in going to other parts of Spain and like the look of Tenerife.

"For me the highlight was filming the view from the window of the plane and being invited into the cockpit by the pilot."

Mr and Mrs Pallett are thanking everyone involved in making their holiday special, from ground crew at Gatwick to the hotel staff in Benidorm.

Despite being back less than two weeks, Mrs Pallett is already asking when their next trip is booked for, while Mr Pallett has his heart set on a cruise.

And with 10 years until their passports expire, there's plenty of time for the Palletts to explore the world.