A Suffolk couple met while at sea on a trip to South Africa - and their love is still going strong 70 years later.

Dick Bizzey met the then Libby Boston, both 96, while he was a second officer in the merchant navy on board HMS Umtali.

Libby was heading to South Africa with three friends to visit the country and undertake secretarial work in Cape Town.

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The 26-year-olds married at St Mary's and St Helen's church in Neston in Cheshire upon their return to England and lived in London and Hertfordshire before moving to Suffolk in 1971.

Initially, they lived in Orford before moving to Aldeburgh, where they now live on the Church Farm estate.

Their daughter Katie Bizzey said: "By the time they got back to England, it was a pretty sure thing that it was going to be true love and a marriage made at sea."

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Mr Bizzey was born and grew up in Spain before moving with his family to Staines, while his wife is from Cheshire.

After leaving the merchant navy, he worked in a number of shore-based office job roles.

Explaining the reasons for their longevity, Katie said: "Well I think patience and respect and they both have a love of sailing. 

"They have a common hobby which has given them many friends. They just peacefully enjoy each other's company."

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Their platinum wedding anniversary is on Wednesday when they will be visited by Dick's younger brother and his wife.

Katie said despite their advancing years, they were both still in generally good health.

"They are very thankful and very grateful to have each other," she added.

As well as daughter Katie, they also have granddaughter Laura, 28.