A DEVOTED husband whose only period apart from his wife was during World War II has celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary by admitting he’s been with her “not a day too long.”

Les and Vera Swonnell of Fleming Court, March, married at St Augustine’s Church in Kilburn, North London on August 31, 1940, during the Battle of Britain.

The couple reached the dizzy heights of their Platinum anniversary today and the 95-year-old believes most of the credit for their lengthy marriage deserves to go to his wife.

He said: “A good wife is key to a successful marriage.

“We clicked straight away when we met through friends and liked one another and it went from there.

“Vera has fantastic qualities in everything she does. She’s a great wife and a brilliant mother.”

The pair only moved to March in February after spending around 55 years in Harlow where they raised their four daughters Pat, Beryl, Sheila and Janet.

The happy couple were only ever apart between 1941-45, when Les served abroad in the army, in what he describes as the most difficult period of their relationship.

“I missed her every day,” he said.

“I was always worried what with the bombing that was going on and was concerned about her safety. We’ve spent every day together since and it’s not a day too long.

“We never had any doubts we wouldn’t still be together now as it all feels so natural. People today get together and they don’t work as a pair. It’s all about giving and taking and that’s why we’re still happily married.