A COUPLE who set up their love-filled life together after meeting at a work's tennis club are now celebrating 70 years of marriage.

Cyril - known to family as Jeff - and Mollie Skilton began courting when they both worked at FW Brackett at the Hythe in the 1940s.

Mr Skilton, now 95, had joined the firm after serving in the Royal Navy during the Second World War including playing a part in the D-Day landings.

His future wife set up a tennis club for employees which he attended and the regular social events served as a place for their love to blossom.

Within two years the couple were married and they have lived at their Ipswich Road home for the last 68 years.

They are celebrating their platinum anniversary on Tuesday with a party for the whole family including their two daughters, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Although the pair aren't playing tennis anymore Mrs Skilton, 89, said they remained happy as ever.

She said: "We are very lucky.

"Lots of our friends have lost one partner or things have happened meaning their marriages have not made it to 50 years and we have got to 70.

"We are keeping our celebrations just to family and it will be very nice.

"We are coming up to 68 years in the same house and I think we just take down roots.

"There used to be cow fields opposite us but now it is all built up - unfortunately that is they way of things now."

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Flashback - the Skiltons on their wedding day

Mrs Skilton said the secret to a long marriage was communication.

"You have to have a bit of give and take," she said.

"We argue, of course we do, but I like to think I always win.

"They say you should never go to bed angry and that is certainly true.

"Even if you are still a bit cross you should just say 'Goodnight dear' and you will feel better in the morning."