Politicians and members of the community have joined together to celebrate a platinum wedding anniversary.

Jack and Vera Murray, of Muchelney Road, Morden, celebrated 70 years of marriage on Wednesday, November 4.

The party was organised for them by Friends in St Helier (F.I.S.H), and attended by Siobhain McDonagh MP, mayor of Merton David Chung and leader of Merton Council Stephen Alambritis, as well as several other councillors and more than 100 guests.

Wimbledon Times:

MP Siobhain McDonagh, back right, joined the couple, seated on the right, for the celebration

F.I.S.H is a support group for the vulnerable over 50s in Merton, which offers a range of activities and projects to keep older people mentally, physically and socially active.

Mrs Murray, 95, has dementia, and her husband Mr Murray, 91, is her sole carer.

Operation manager at F.I.S.H, Councillor Mary Curtin, said: "Jack won’t have anyone help him. He wants to protect her dignity. But he’s got very supportive family and friends.

"It was a very enjoyable day for them. Vera thoroughly enjoyed herself. She was aware of what was going on, but a little overwhelmed."

She added: "Jack told me he doesn’t know what he would do without F.I.S.H. It gets him out of the house with Vera three times a week. He said it’s a lifeline for him."

A special cake was made for the occasion, as well as a collage of photographs of the couple. Entertainment was provided by musician Mickey Driver.