A MARRIED couple from Flintshire are celebrating their 70th anniversary despite the coronavirus outbreak.

Ernest and Eileen Roberts, both aged 95, of Cadole, who married at St Berres’ Church, Llanferres on Saturday, 1 April in 1950 before heading off for a week’s honeymoon in Rhyl, will be celebrating their platinum anniversary on April 1.

The couple first met at a dance held in Gwernymynydd Village Hall, which has now been demolished.

Mr Roberts, who was born in Nercwys, and Mrs Roberts who was born in Wrexham, will be spending their wedding anniversary at their Cadole home, where they have lived for more than 50 years.

Their three daughters, seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren will be phoning their congratulations and waving through the window due to the current pandemic and restrictions on social gatherings.

It is hoped that any disappointment at not being able to have physical contact with their family, who all live locally, will be tempered by an anniversary card from Her Majesty the Queen, if it should it arrive on time.

Speaking on behalf of the proud family, the couple's daughter, Lynda Layfield, who works as an administrator at Flintshire County Council’s Marleyfield House Care Home in Buckley, says they will not let the current health crisis spoil the occasion.

She said: "We will get together after the crisis and when the restrictions on social contact have ended and have a family party.

"Mum and Dad don’t leave home much now anyway and my sister, Elizabeth, who is retired, lives next door to them in Cadole and acts as their main carer.

"My other sister, Anne, who works in Flintshire County Council’s planning department, also lives in Gwernymnyndd just round the corner from me.

"All mum and dad’s grandchildren and great grandchildren live locally too, we have always been a very close family."

Mr and Mrs Roberts have always been very family orientated and have never left the Gwernymynydd area.

Daughter Lynda, added: "As a family we are so proud of them and to reach 70 years of marriage is remarkable.

"Dad still likes to cook most of their meals.

"They have been the best parents anyone could have and the whole family are delighted for them.

"They say if they had to give advice on what makes a successful marriage it’s being loving and devoted to each other and very importantly, being prepared to listen to each other."