A COUPLE who met on the Falkland Islands during the Second World War have celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Alec Hudson met his bride-to-be Lenora, who grew-up on the South Atlantic islands, when he was posted there in August, 1942.

He served as a military barber for two years and Lenora worked as a cashier in a grocery store.

When he returned home to Glusburn in 1944 the couple remained in close contact, and Lenora made the move to Yorkshire in December, 1946.

They were married at Kildwick Church a few months later.

Alec is now a resident at Beanlands Nursing Home in Cross Hills, close to the home he shared with Lenora, who visits him every day.

"When I first met Alec he immediately made an impression on me and once the war was over – when he invited me to come and live in England – I jumped at the chance," she said.

"Making such a move when I was only 19 wasn't easy, but his family and friends all made me feel very welcome and my parents joined me three years later so I've never had any regrets."

A party celebrating their platinum anniversary was held at the nursing home.

The couple were joined by their two children, four grandchildren and great granddaughter, along with other family members and two of their original bridesmaids, Margaret Spencer and Elizabeth Sherry.

"The team at Beanlands really went out of its way to make the day special," added Lenora.

Konrad Czajka – managing director of Czajka Care Group, which runs the home – said: "We always make an effort to mark special occasions for residents.

"This is the first platinum wedding anniversary we have celebrated within the home, and it was a real privilege to share such a very special occasion.

"Alec and Lenora are a wonderful couple and it's inspirational to see them still thoroughly enjoying married life after all these years."