A HAPPY couple, who fell in love at first sight and have stuck together through thick and thin for 70 years have celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary in a Llandudno care home.

Alan and Joan Baker were married in 1949 in a church in Swinton, Manchester. They met at a local dance when Alan was 21 and Joan was 19 and they remember it was: “Absolutely, love at first sight.”

They celebrated their very special day at Queen Elizabeth Court, where they have lived together for nine years, with a three course meal. They were also surprised and delighted to receive a congratulations card from the Queen.

Alan was worked as an assistant auctioneer for an estate agent at the time and Joan was a secretary. They went on to have two daughters, Vicky and Rosemary. Joan didn’t work after they got married. Alan said with affection: "Joan always kept a lovely home for our family."

Enjoying their own hobbies, as well as shared interests, has also been important to the couple. Alan added: "Joan has enjoyed golf, bowls, croquet and bridge and I took up golf before I retired. It's all made for a happy life together." In 1986, as soon as they retired, they moved to Wales. Alan is now aged 93 and Joan is 91, they have four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Together they said the secret of a happy marriage they said: “Patience is a virtue and never letting a problem become a crisis.” They also have this advice for younger generations: “Never put off until tomorrow what you could have done yesterday.”

Gary Carr Queen Elizabeth Court’s activities coordinator said: “It was lovely to be able to help Alan and Joan celebrate their 70 years of marriage. To stick together through thick and thin for so many years is an amazing feat. They’re an inspiration.” Queen Elizabeth Court is run by the Masonic Charitable Foundation.