COULD this be Wirral’s longest married couple?

Eric and Gwynneth Robinson, from Heswall met when they were on a boy scout and girl guide meeting on the Isle of Wight in 1939.

Eric, 96, met his now wife Gwynneth, 95, at a well and offered to carry her bucket of water back to camp for her.

But, when the announcement came for the start of WWII, duty came first for the teenage sweethearts.

They stayed in touch throughout the war and both signed up to the RAF, Eric was a pilot and Gwynneth a wireless operator.

Eric told the Globe: “I was deployed to Canada and while I was there I bought an engagement ring and sent it to Gwynneth in an ordinary envelope, she received it and I then was away for about three years.

“When I came back, I wasn’t the same innocent looking boy she knew before so she pinned her engagement ring under my lapel and gave me it back.

“This went on for another year until I was invited to the VE Day celebration at Gwynneth’s squadron in 1945 and met her once more.

“After this, we didn't see eachother until 1946 and this time she was wearing the engagement ring on so we looked forward to arranging the wedding.”

Gwynneth, originally from Birmingham, met Eric at the alter of St Mary's Church in his hometown of Nottingham where they tied the knot on March 16, 1946 - 72 years ago.

The couple went on to become proud parents to Philippa, Andrew, David and Bronwen and now have eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

After the war, Eric continued his work with the RAF and was a pilot for 46 years before retiring more than 20 years ago.

Gwynneth became a shorthand typist and now enjoys sewing and crocheting.

So what’s their secret?

Eric said: “We’ve always cared for one and other, we may have had the odd cross word but we’ve always looked after one and other.

“I think with me being away so much, every time I came back it was like another honeymoon.

“Every night I give Gwynneth a spoonful of honey and a kiss.

“So many people are getting divorced so quickly these days, I can’t understand why.

"But people need to have respect for one and other and compromise, care for each other and not make a fuss.

“Trust is vital, I think that’s the best thing.

“Sometimes just don’t say anything, learn when to keep quiet and if one gets angry, learn how to pacify them.”

Could Eric and Gwynneth be Wirral’s longest married couple or do you know a couple who tied the knot before them?

Get in touch with Lauren Jones by email lauren.jones@nqnw.co.uk