Ill health did not stop a Weymouth couple celebrating a landmark wedding anniversary.

Unfortunately a party to celebrate Charles and Margaret Stone's 70 years of marriage had to be cancelled after Mrs Stone was taken ill.

But a special moment was held at Mrs Stone's bedside in the coronary care unit at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester as Mr Stone and immediate family members visited.

The couple, who are both 88 and have lived in Wyke Regis for most of their lives, enjoyed looking at their cards. They were particularly delighted by a special congratulatory card from The Queen.

They celebrated their platinum anniversary just a month after The Queen and Prince Philip.

Mrs Stone, who has been diagnosed with heart problems, has been in and out of hospital since her wedding anniversary on New Year's Eve, including a spell at Bridport.

She was back in DCH this week but she is said to be doing well and it is hoped she can return to her family soon.

Mrs Stone, a 'true and proud' Scot from Aberdour, Fife, came to Weymouth in 1947 at the age of 18 to live with her sister and brother-in-law. Little could she have known that within a few weeks she would meet Mr Stone, a Weymouth lad, at the Regent Dance Hall, a popular venue in the town. It was not long before love blossomed.

Mr Stone was still serving in the Dorset Regiment at the time of their marriage at Weymouth Registry Office.

After army service Mr Stone worked for a number of years for the Admiralty on Portland, before starting up his own taxi service which he continued for more than 30 years. Mrs Stone also worked for a time at the Weymouth Radio factory.

The couple have a daughter, Linda, and two sons, Tony, and stepson Allan. Tony and Linda still live in the town. Their three children have given them eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, who are said to be a great joy to them.

Stepson Allan said: "It has been a difficult time because of mum's condition. She had generally been in very good health so it was a shock when she was admitted to hospital.

"Everything has been on hold at the moment.

"However she is stable now and when I saw her this week she looked ready to come out.

"The intention is to have a low-key party at home once she is better."