A COUPLE in Cam who just celebrated 70 years of marriage said the success of their long-lasting relationship has been due simply to “love”.

Dennis Tocknell, 91, and his wife Renée, also 91, met during the Second World War, in which the former served in the Normandy landings.

Renée was diagnosed with dementia five years ago and Dennis made the decision to act as her sole carer.

Dennis and Renée met in 1944, shortly before Dennis, who served as an engineer during the war in Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, was sent to Normandy, landing at Arromanches. At that time Renee worked at aircraft manufacturers AV Rows.

The two would marry in Manchester two years later on April 2 when Dennis was on his final leave. He would be demobbed in 1947.

Struggling to find a home in Manchester when the war was over, the pair travelled down to Cam and lived briefly with Dennis’ parents before acquiring their own home in 1950 in Tilsdown Close, where they live to this day.

The two would go on to have five children. Unfortunately their son Colin would die at 18 months. Their other children went on to find success in their own fields.

Dennis had a successful career, his most memorable role being as a project engineer for Benson’s, assisting the company as they moved into Malta.

Dennis, who suffered a breakdown after the war and was looked after by his wife, sees their current situation as his turn to look after to her.

Discussing how they had sustained such a long marriage, Dennis said: “I think it’s love and while at times it is a struggle we will not be parted.

“When I came out of the army I had a breakdown from seeing the result of atrocities that had been committed. How she put up with me then I don’t know.

“She was wonderful to me then and now it’s my turn to look after her. That’s marriage. It’s my belief that you don’t enjoy the good unless you’ve experienced the bad.”

Renée couldn’t believe they had been together for 70 years, adding: “It really doesn’t seem like that long.”

The couple celebrated their anniverssary with a family meal and, all being well, hope to complete their celebration with a cruise.