A mix-up with names led to love for a couple who have celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary.

Norman Pellew, 95, and his wife Ethne, 91, who lived in Smallburgh for many years, marked 70 years together this month.

They celebrated their special day with a family meal and then at the weekend with an afternoon tea with more family members.

Speaking about the couple's secret of staying together, their granddaughter Faye Murch, 38, from Retford, said: 'Whatever life throws at them they just get on with it. We have had a difficult few years where we lost my dad and grandma was ill, but they do just get on with things.'

Mr Pellew, who spent his childhood travelling around the world, worked in the RAF and served during the Second World War. Mrs Pellew, who grew up as part of a farming family in Brumstead, near Stalham, also served, working as a nurse.

The couple met at a dance for nurses and servicemen, where Mrs Pellew introduced herself by her nickname of 'Bunny''.

Mr Pellew then spent the next few weeks trying to find out exactly who Bunny was to no avail as no one had heard of her, but he did eventually track her down.

They were married on April 16 1945 at Brumstead Church. Mrs Pellew had their three sons, Ian, Nigel and Roger, in the county, but the family also travelled extensively as part of Mr Pellew's work with the RAF.

They settled in Smallburgh after Mr Pellew retired from the RAF when he was in his 50s, setting up sailing schools on the Broads. He also used to paint local scenery and churches in oils.

Mrs Pellew helped care for Smallburgh Church and with the meals-on-wheels service until she was in her 80s and also used to make toys and teddies to sell.

The couple, who have four granddaughters and two grandsons and three great-grandchildren, now live in Retford, Nottinghamshire, to be nearer some of their family.

Do you know someone celebrating a special anniversary? If so email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk