Ken (86) and Mickie Secker (81), from Cunningham Drive, met at a dance in Oakham, when Mr Secker was allowed leave from the RAF.

The couple stayed in touch and subsequently married in 1949.

They spent three decades in Birmingham, where Mr Secker worked as a police officer, but moved to Lutterworth 20 years ago, choosing the town because it fell between their only son Andrew’s home in Birmingham and other family in Rutland.

Mrs Secker is involved with a number of community groups including Lutterworth Evening Women’s Institute.

Her real name is Lillian but she acquired the nickname Mickie when she was a young girl.

Mrs Secker said: “I think the secret to a long marriage is respect and love.

“We laugh a lot and shout occasionally but we have always loved and cared for each other.”

The couple, who have one granddaughter called Nicola (20), celebrated their anniversary on Saturday, with family and friends at Lutterworth Cricket Pavilion.