After weeks of celebrating from home, a couple from Whixall is reflecting on 70 years of marriage following their platinum wedding anniversary.

Rose Hocknell and Arthur Hocknell, of Coton Farm, have been married for seven decades, and celebrated with family members – in line with Covid-19 restrictions – at the end of last month.

The couple were surprised with a special card sent by Her Majesty The Queen, and enjoyed an afternoon tea party with relatives visiting their home at staggered times throughout the day.

Daughter Pauline Plant was delighted the couple were able to celebrate their day, and is pleased to see them reach such a big milestone.

She said: “It is really impressive to spend 70 years married to one another.

“They are both local – my dad was born at Coton Farm and my mum is from Whixall.

“They had five children together, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

“It’s so pleasing to see they have spent so many happy years together and it is such a great achievement.”

Rose, aged 91 and Arthur, 93, still live in the same area in which they grew up.

They were both farmers on Coton Farm, and Arthur still helps out on the farm today.

The couple enjoyed quiet celebration on the day of their anniversary, which was slightly different to how it was expected due to Covid-19 regulations.

Pauline added: “It was a quiet day because of the restrictions, but they enjoyed the afternoon tea we had with six guests visiting at a time.

“They didn’t want a fuss anyway, so it was a really nice day for them celebrating at home.

“They received a special card from the Queen which made their day very special.

“They were pleased to get the card from the Queen – it came in the post and they were able to read it out together on the day. It was really nice for them to get an acknowledgement.”