A Droitwich couple celebrating their 70th anniversary marked their day with a special royal congratulations from King Charles III.

Margaret, 95, and Tony Sawyer, 93, nonagenarian residents of Woodland View care home in Droitwich, first met on Margaret's family farm in Stratford Upon Avon as Tony would frequently visit to pick fruit before taking on helping out jobs whilst he was in sixth form.

Following several years of courting, they got married on December 29, 1953 at St Gregory’s Church in their hometown.

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Mrs Sawyer, reflecting on that day, said: "The weather was chilly but sunny on our wedding day.

"I made my own dress – it was a beautiful gown with a collar and buttons all the way down the front.

"We then had our reception at The Royal Hotel."

Worcester News: Margaret and Tony were married on December 29 1953 in Stratford Upon Avon

To mark their platinum anniversary, the couple their favourite meal of baked haddock and homemade tiramisu at Woodland View, joined by their four children.

A congratulatory anniversary card from the King made the day even more memorable.

The care home showed equal excitement for the couple's milestone, with Mr Sawyer commending the care home for its efforts by saying: "Our day has been wonderful, and we can’t thank Woodland View enough for all they have done to make our day so special."

Their son Liam added: "Woodland View have made mum and dad’s day so special; it was great for us to all be together to celebrate."

Home manager at Woodland View, Lisa Dews, said: "It was such a pleasure to be part of this memorable occasion.

"It’s very important to us that we help our residents to continue to make cherished memories, so we’re over the moon that this incredible couple enjoyed their 70th wedding anniversary at Woodland View."

Mr and Mrs Sawyer also shared their advice for a successful and long marriage, advising couples to be each other’s best friend and "just say ‘yes dear’, and then do whatever you were planning on doing in the first place."

For information about living at Woodland View, call 01905 917358 or email woodland.view@idealcarehomes.co.uk.