A ROMSEY couple are to celebrate 65 years of marriage in August.

Phyllis Randell, 88, and her husband Donald, 89, will celebrate their blue sapphire anniversary on August 7.

The couple first met when they were 11-years-old and both lived in Love Lane in Romsey when Donald moved from Southampton due to the war.

The pair, who have lived in Viney Avenue since 1966, also attended the Romsey School in Greatbridge Road where they would spent time together with friends.

Donald said: "When we moved to Love Lane after we were bombed out in Southampton and we got to know each other when we would go out and about.

"I used to play football a lot and she used to come along as well."

Phyllis and Donald got married in the United Reformed Church Romsey in Abbey Water and started their married life in Middlebridge Street.

Donald said the secret to a long marriage is to "give and take".

He added: "People should not forget it is a 50/50 relationship."

Phyllis said: "We do not have any plans for our anniversary yet, but I would like to be with my family.

"I was quite shocked when he proposed to me. Some people take a long time to make up their minds about getting married, but we did not."

She added the secret to marriage is being "comfortable together".