A REQUEST for a dance led to a long and happy marriage for one Herefordshire couple.

Vernon and Gwyneth Seale, now 94 and 92, tied the knot back in 1949.

The pair met at a dance in Eardisland and are now celebrating their platinum wedding anniversary.

Naval petty officer Mr Seale and Mrs Seale, then a member of the women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, were swiftly engaged to be married.

But it was to be a long wait for the dedicated duo, who kept the flame alive by corresponding by letter until they were finally demobbed.

After leaving the Navy, Mr Seale then worked as a market gardener in Kingsland before setting up his own timber business, whilst Mrs Seale took up a career in floristry, working in both Hereford and Leominster.

The couple moved to Sarnesfield in 1974, where Mr Seale took up a job as head forester at the village estate, and have lived there ever since.

They have a son David, a daughter Barbara, four grandchildren and six great children.

And what’s the secret to staying happily married for 70 years?

“Sincere love and caring for each other,” the platinum couple say.