While lovers everywhere shared a romantic moment on Valentine's Day, the occasion had extra special meaning for one couple from Motspur Park.

Eileen and Dennys Roberts got married on February 14 1948, and this year celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

"Valentine's Day happened to fall on a Saturday that year - the traditional day to get married, so it worked out well for us," Eileen, 80, said.

The couple met while working in a munitions factory in Essex after Dennys left the Navy.

Although they had seen each other around the building, it was not until the company laid on a dance for its employees that they had a chance to get to know each other.

A year and a half later, they were married.

In the 1950s, the couple moved to Motspur Park.

Dennys, now 82, spent much of his working life as a police officer in Wimbledon, while Eileen concentrated on bringing up their big family.

They have four daughters, seven grand children and five great grandchildren, the youngest of whom is just five months old.

"We're a very united family, and try and see each other as much as we can," Eileen said.

Her daughter Janet surpised Eileen last Thursday with an anniversary meal at a restaurant in Wimbledon, arranging for Dennys to have a day out from the care home where he now lives.

Eileen said: "I was just expecting to go out for lunch, but Dennys was there along with three of my daughters. It was a very nice surprise."

She puts the secret of a long marriage down to "patience on both sides, and love."