A Lowestoft couple who met on a blind date are celebrating 70 years of love and marriage.

Jack and Betty Heryett reached their platinum wedding anniversary on Tuesday, June 26.

The couple were first introduced through friends 72 years ago.

Mrs Heryett, 89, said: 'We were both brought along by friends, that's how we first met.

'I just remember thinking; 'oh not bad''.

From that initial meeting their relationship blossomed.

And while Mr Heryett soon departed to Sierra Leone with the Royal Navy, the couple married upon his return.

Initially based in Bath the duo moved to Lowestoft in 1952.

Mr Heryett first worked at Lowestoft Maltings before later becoming a postman in the town while Mrs Heryett worked as a shop assistant at various retailers – including Woolworths.

Speaking of the momentous milestone Mrs Heryett said: 'It feels lovely. It doesn't seem possible to be living this long and being together still.

'We have always done everything together.'

Over the course of their marriage the couple had three children; Carol, 68 and twins Jackie and Jeannie, who are 64.

They also have seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Their daughter Carol Bottomley said: 'It's epic really. It's just so hard to describe you suddenly think – 'wow 70 years'.

'I remember having big parties for their 40th and 50th.

'Through thick and thin they have always held it together. I just think how lucky we are to still have them here.'

Mrs Bottomley added: 'It's just so nice to still have your parents here and bring the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

'We are so used to them being here I can't imagine them not being here forever.'

While Mr Heryett has lived at Lilac Lodge Care Home for the past four years, his wife lives close-by and the bond between the pair remains as strong as ever.

They say the secret to their lasting relationship is honesty.

Mr Heryett said: 'We always said no secrets', with Mrs Heryett adding: 'It's all about give and take.'

Mrs Bottomley believes her parents set a great example and describes their marriage simply as 'strong'.

She said: 'Let's face it, what else can you say, they are still together after 70 years.'