A Sheppey couple celebrating 70 years of marriage this week say the secret to a happy partnership is not arguing.

Mabel and Peter Philpott claim they have never quarrelled since tying the knot on August 16, 1947.

The pair met in April that year while serving with the Army in Palestine.

Mrs Philpott, 91, of Kent Avenue, Minster, said: “Meeting someone like Peter is key too.

“He is lovely. Whatever you can describe as being nice, that’s Peter. He is just so helpful and loving.”

Mrs Philpott grew up in Derbyshire. At 19, she joined the Army and was sent to Palestine, where she worked in the canteen and met Mr Philpott, who was also stationed there.

The couple courted but after three months Mr Philpott was due to return home to Sheerness.

Mrs Philpott said: “The only way we could both leave was if we married, so that’s what we did.

“Our marriage has been marvellous from day dot. It’s been wonderful and still is. He is very much still the one.”

They moved to Sheppey in September 1947, aged 21 and 22, and had two children, Ann and Michael.

Mr Philpott, who is 92, was a lorry driver for a number of years before retiring aged 65.

Once the children had grown up, Mrs Philpott worked at Halfway school as a kitchen assistant for six years, before working at Abbott Laboratories in Queenborough for 17 years. She retired at 60.

They have seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

The family celebrated their big day with a party last Sunday and they had a special meal on Wednesday.