A COUPLE who have been married for seven decades shared their secret to a happy marriage.

Jane and Henry Jordan, who have lived and farmed in the Cotswolds their entire lives have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

The pair put their milestone down to being able to work through the hard times and staying together. 

Four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren later, the couple celebrated their achievement on September 18 and will be hosting a garden party with all their friends and family on Saturday (September 21). 

Mrs Jordan said: "I first met Henry when he was bailing hay outside my house for my father and I took him some tea. 

"It definitely wasn't love at first sight, the best way I can describe it is as a slow burn. 

"It never occurred to me that we would still be going. 

"I think we have surprised a lot of people, I'm 89 and Henry is 94 next month and our family is very impressed and proud."

When the pair first married they started life in Pebworth before moving to Honeybourne 32 years later and then to Western Sub Edge 25 years after that.

Mrs Jordan continued: "We are both really looking forward to the party but I think the key to a long marriage is just being able to stay together. 

"A lot of younger folks end things too soon but you have to work through the sad times as well as the good times. 

"Everyone has congratulated us apart from my son who lives in Australia which is quite unusual. 

"He said he wasn't going to be able to make it to the party but I have a sneaking suspicion he might be turning up in the end as it's just the sort of thing he would do."

The couple have lived in a bungalow in Western Sub Edge for the last 12 years.