Valentine's Day for Eastleigh couple near 70th anniversary

Betty and Peter Hallt - who are celebrating Valentine's Day at Alston House Care Home, Leigh Road – met as teenagers in 1950 at a youth club.

As the dedicated couple sat down to a romantic meal ahead of their 70th wedding anniversary in March, Peter said if he had his time again, he wouldn't change a thing.

He said: "I’d do everything all over again," with Betty in agreement.

They both agreed that marriage is an ongoing project, and every couple will have different challenges.

Peter said: "Life is not easy, but if there is love, respect and understanding, the relationship can last for decades."

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In the early years of their relationship, the couple were separated when Peter joined the Royal Air Force in 1951, signing up for four years.

Despite the separation, the pair got engaged in 1953, and the planned wedding was brought forward to March 1954 instead of the autumn as Peter was sent to the Suez Canal Zone on active service.

Peter said: "There was extra pay for being married and more for being on active service, so you could say we married for money!"

Once Peter returned from duty in 1955, the couple could properly begin their married life together.

The couple moved from a shared first-floor flat in London to a house in Hampshire.

Peter said: "It was a semi-detached chalet style house in southern Hampshire which we bought for £1,250.

"I had a small motorcycle, later graduating to a motorcycle and sidecar, and they were still in use after our two sons had arrived in 1959 and 1961.

"It was very low-cost family transport, although not too convenient at times!"

Betty and Peter have travelled widely and were able to retire around 1990, and they enjoyed playing golf together for many years.

The couple have two sons, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.