A VALLEYS couple are marking a remarkable milestone, as they celebrate 70 years of wedded bliss.

Romey and George Woods first met at a dance in Cefn Fforest while they were pupils at the local school in 1934.

It was love at first sight, and they continued to see each other for a bit before deciding to get together permanently, which led to the couple marrying on July 4 1942.

Of course by this point Britain had been at war for three years and the couple had to save some of their ration coupons to make sure the future Mrs Woods had a wedding gown to wear.

Mr Woods, said: "We were married at St David’s church, in Pengam on American Independence day. It was pouring with rain a little bit like it has been recently here but it didn’t spoil the day."

Mr Woods, now 93, worked as a miner at the Penallta colliery for 62 years, while Mrs Woods, 91, worked in an ammunition factory in Rogerstone during the war, before leaving to look after the couple’s nine children (six girls and three boys.) And they are the proud grandparents of 24, great grandparents of 45 and great-great grandparents of two.

The couple loved going to dances, particularly on their holidays to Porthcawl, and enjoyed heading out for a walk in the countryside every Sunday.

Mr and Mrs Woods were regulars at the Cefn Fforest miners' club, where Mr Woods says his wife was a dab hand at the bingo.

On their milestone Mr Woods, said: "I can’t put my finger on one reason why we have stayed together so long, we just like doing things together I think. We make each other laugh, we like the same things, and I put her first and vice versa. It’s all about give and take."

The couple will celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary with a family meal at The Rock in Blackwood, and one of their daughters, Pauline Evans, 57, from Cwmfelinfach, paid tribute to her parents as "a great team" who do everything together.

Mrs Evans, said: "On behalf of all the children I would just like to say well done, many congratulations and lots of love."