Theirs was a love story which spanned a remarkable 66 years.

And Charlie and Janet Martin, from Whitstable, remained devoted to each other until the end.

When he passed away last month, it was just a few weeks until she was to join him.

But, in some ways, it did not surprise the family who say they were a "team" and never apart.

The couple, from Grasmere Road, were both aged 88 and were always together, according to their daughter, Alison.

"They simply could not be without each other and now they're together again."

The Martins were well known in Whitstable having retired to the town in 1998 and joined in numerous groups and activities.

They had met at Streatham ice rink in the 50s - although it wasn't love at first sight, says Alison, who lives in Sturry and works as a PA for an accountancy firm.

"Mum told me that she first had eyes on dad's friend but they ended up courting and having a very special marriage.

"They both came from very poor backgrounds and were determined to make the best lives for themselves and us."

Both Charlie and Janet worked until they were 67 - he as a crane driver and she in various office administration jobs.

The couple had two sons, Peter and Paul, and later Alison who enjoyed their company on many family holidays over the last 20 years.

"They loved to travel but when they began to struggle a bit with their mobility, we took them on the Eurostar to Paris and Bruges," said Alison.

The couple were keen supporters of the Oyster Festival and Janet enjoyed being a member of the South Street Women's Institute.

Keen gardener Charlie had an allotment in Herne Bay and was a skilled craftsman, making birds boxes and Christmas decorations in his garden workshop.

But both their health began to deteriorate in the last few years.

"Mum had several strokes and we thought we would lose her first," said Alison.

"But it was dad who went on December 15 followed by mum on January 8."

Alison says her mother's poor health meant she was not fully aware of losing Charlie.

"She was getting wonderful care at the Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital and although we hadn't told her dad had passed because she was so poorly, we could tell she could sense something.

"But, in a way, it's a blessing because she would have been distraught without him if she had recovered."

The couple will have a joint funeral at Barham Crematorium at 11.20am on Friday, February 7 to which all their friends are invited to pay their last respects.

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