An Esher couple have credited the sunshine and a Mediterranean diet for their successful 70 year marriage.

Eric and Lilian Carter celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary on Tuesday, June 24 and were treated to a surprise party by their family on Sunday, June 22.

The couple, aged 91 and 93, met at a swimming pool in Wandsworth, south-west London, and married at St Michael’s Church, Southfields, on June 24, 1944, before moving to Elmbridge in 1967.

Since moving to the borough, the happy couple enjoyed living in Long Ditton before moving to Esher and their current home in Esher Park Avenue.

Over the years, the happy couple welcomed two children, Peter, 65, and Angela, 62, and four grandchildren; Rob, 36, Josie, 34, Suzie, 26, and Cara, 23.

Mr and Mrs Carter also became great-grandparents after the birth of Clemency, four, and Hugo, two, whom they enjoy spending time with.

Along with seeing family, the couple like walking in Claremont Park, attending British Legion events and dining at Cote in Esher.

In earlier life, Mr and Mrs Carter had a property in the south of France and enjoyed travelling there to spend time with their French friends, many of whom they are still in touch with.

The couple’s daughter, Angela Carter, said they credit their happy marriage and long life to the time they spent in France, the sunshine and Mediterranean diet, with her mother stating ‘moderation in everything is the key’.

To celebrate their special day, the family came together to surprise them with a party.

Angela Carter, the couple’s daughter, said: "They loved the surprise party and thought everyone had forgotten. They had no inkling of it.

"We are so lucky to still have our parents and that they live such an active and independent life. It was fantastic to see them enjoying the party surrounded by the family."

The couple expect to receive a card from the Queen on the date of their anniversary.