A COUPLE in Okehampton reached a special landmark last week, as they celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary.

Peter and Vera Wellman, both 90, celebrated their 70th anniversary with family and friends with a party on Wednesday, July 18. The couple got married in 1942 after Peter was given a 48 hour pass for the ceremony, before being drafted to take part in world war II. The couple have lived in Okehampton for around 25 years, with Peter working in the transport business for most of his life after the war.

Two days after celebrating their anniversary, Peter celebrated his 90th birthday. Their family held another party for them on Saturday to celebrate both his birthday and their anniversary.

Their dedication to one another is unwavering, with Peter caring for Vera, who is registered blind, at their home. Peter has his own disability to overcome to care for Vera, as he has lost one of his legs and uses a wheelchair.

Among those celebrating with them were their five great-grandchildren, including ten week old twins Marley and Rowan.

Their daughter Valerie, said: 'It is wonderful to see them together after all these years, still so dedicated to one another.

'On the Wednesday when they celebrated their anniversary, it rained in Okehampton all day, just dreadful weather.

'On the day they got married, they had exactly the same weather. It was so bad that when they got married, they had photos taken the following day in a photographer's studio. So British summers have always been this way.'

The couple received a card from the Queen to congratulate them on their special day.