Last updated at 11:45, Friday, 28 December 2012

Meet Betty and Stan Kane, possibly one of the longest-married couples in West Cumbria.

Long time wed: Betty and Stan Kane celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve at Stilecroft Residential Home in Workington

The childhood sweethearts celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve.

Betty, 90, and Stan, 92, who now live at Stilecroft Residential Home in Stainburn, Workington, were married at St John’s Church, Workington, in 1941.

The couple married while Stan was home on four days leave from the Navy.

They met on Vulcan’s Lane, outside the Emmanuel Church, when Betty was 14 and Stan was 16.

Married five years later, the couple enjoyed a fleeting honeymoon, taking the train to Carlisle for the afternoon after their ceremony.

Betty said: “We got married on Christmas Eve as Stan was home for only a short space of time.

“We have had a very happy life together and have enjoyed holidays and fun times, but having our daughter was the best moment for us.

“It can’t be said that we’ve never argued, in fact a good row can clear the air, but the secret to a happy marriage is knowing how to say sorry.”

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First published at 11:21, Friday, 28 December 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk