AFTER 65 years of marriage Fred and Rose Record say the secret to their success is ‘never to go to bed on an argument’.

The couple, who celebrated their blue sapphire wedding anniversary this week met at the Whitehead Torpedo Works in Weymouth during the Second World War.

Although they noticed each other straight away, it was not until some time later that love blossomed at The Regent tea dance.

They married on January 3 1945 and had three daughters, Miriam, Pam and Lesley.

Rose, 86, and Fred, 87, who live in the Wyke Regis area of Weymouth, celebrated their special occasion at a meal with their daughters and partners, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Following his time at the Whitehead Torpedo factory, Fred worked for many years for Southern Electricity and then the Dorset Echo as electrician and handyman.

Daughter Miriam Record said: “Mum and dad lived near each other at Westham but dad was going out with someone else at the time.

“He asked mum to go on a double date as his friend’s partner but she refused because she liked dad.

“Then they met sometime later at The Regent tea dance.”

Miriam added: “On their anniversary they got a card from the Queen saying ‘Congratulations for 65 years of marriage, hope you have a wonderful time’ and we had a close family meal at the Hotel Rembrandt.

“They always used to say a good relationship involved doing things together, although dad also had his amateur radio hobby.

“They’ve always been very close and still hold hands and cuddle. Dad always used to say the secret to a happy marriage was ‘never go to bed on an argument’.

“They’ve also always had a close, loving family.”