A Teignmouth couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this month.

Brian and Jean Godfrey, who were married on May 1 1954, only lasted a few months the first time they met. But after reuniting four years later, they were set for life.

The couple first met at a dance studio in Ilford in November 1947 before drifting apart. However, Brian’s mother stepped in and invited Jean to his 21st birthday party in 1951 and Brian proposed a few months later.

Brian and Jean held off tying the knot until Brian had finished his National Service.

They moved to Teignmouth and have four daughters, two granddaughters and two grandsons.

When asked the secret to a long marriage, Jean’s response is simple: ‘All you need is love,’ she says.

It also helps that there are good genes in the family; Brian’s father Stanley lived until he was 100.