FROM a playground in Bradford to a care home in Culcheth, Ruth and George Waterhouse have celebrated 72 years of marriage.

The childhood sweethearts first met in a school playground in Bradford almost 80 years ago after George moved there aged 14 and have remained together happily ever since.

And even distance could not keep the couple apart when George, now aged 93, returned to his native Northamptonshire while serving with the Royal Air Force.

Ruth, now aged 92, remained back in Yorkshire, where she worked as a waitress at her sister’s cafe.

But George would regularly make the 300 mile trip to see her until the distance became too much and he popped the question and asked Ruth to move in with him.

They tied the knot on January 31 and the couple’s first link to Culcheth came in 1971 when George moved to the area with Ruth following on.

On retirement they moved to Blackpool but returned to Culcheth to live at Holcroft Grange, on Jackson Avenue, in 2012.

When asked what is the best thing about married life George said: “Living together and sharing a home – which we still do to this day.

Ruth agreed adding: “The secret to a long and happy marriage is taking care and looking after one another.”

The home marked the anniversary with presents for the happy couple.

“Everyone at Holcroft made such an effort on our special day, spoiling us with flowers and chocolate, and even a bottle of wine,” added Ruth.

“We’ve also been swapping stories of married life with the other residents and sharing wedding day memories – it was a lovely few days.”

Could Ruth and George be Warrington’s longest married couple or do you know a couple who tied the knot before them?

Get in touch with Vicki Stockman by e-mail vicki.stockman@guardiangrp.co.uk or call 426822.