Rainworth couple Colin and Noreen Barnes recently enjoyed a major milestone in their marriage.

They celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary — 70 years of marriage — and the Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, was quick to join the well-wishers and call them an inspiration to everyone.

He said: “After seeing the news story that they are celebrating their platinum wedding anniversary, I want to send my congratulations on behalf of the district and the council.

Colin and Noreen met when they were aged 15.

They married five years later at Wollaton Church in Nottingham.

Now living in Rainworth, the couple, who both turned 90 recently, were due to celebrate with an anniversary party for friends and family, until the coronavirus pandemic forced them to postpone.

But what is their secret to a long and happy marriage?

Colin explained their secret, saying: “We just take each day as it comes really.”

Noreen added: “We must have been doing something right to get to 70 years!”

Mayor Abrahams added: “Firstly my most heartfelt congratulations go to Colin and Noreen on this achievement.

“It is obvious from the wonderful photograph that they are still very much in love.

“We can learn so much from them to help us through the difficult times we are all experiencing at the moment.

“Colin’s phrase, ‘just take each day as it comes, has never been more appropriate and the way they have cheerfully ‘made do’ through the hard times is a lesson for us all when the going gets tough. They are an inspiration to us all!”