They married at a time when the war dominated everyday life.

But the celebrations at Longwood Methodist Church 70 years ago today were joyous and heartfelt.

Now, seven decades later, that couple who married in such difficult times are still together and celebrating a platinum anniversary.

Margaret and Douglas Hollings, of Lindley, had met at the tennis club run from the Methodist Church in their home village. Both lived in Longwood – in Lamb Hall Road and in Longwood Gate – and it was there that they made their home after their wedding.

Mr Hollings, 91, served in the RAF during the war, but returned to spend many years as manager of a carpet warehouse in St George’s Square.

His 92-year-old wife, formerly Margaret Jessop, served in the ATS, the Auxiliary Territorial Service which was the women’s branch of the British Army during the Second World War.

When the war ended she worked part-time in the offices at the David Brown Tractors plant in Meltham.

The couple lived in Longwood until the late 1950s, when they moved to Quarmby, before settling in their Lindley bungalow five years ago.

Their home and family have been mainstays during their marriage. The couple had two daughters – Judith, who sadly died in 2011, and Valerie.

They also have two grandchildren, one in Surrey and one in Switzerland, and four great grand-daughters.

Throughout their married life, Mr and Mrs Hollings have loved to welcome friends and family with baking – especially Mrs Hollings’ famous Yorkshire puddings – and vegetables and fruit from their garden.

Both are still active members of Lindley Methodist Church and Mr Hollings has served as treasurer for many years of the Fellowship Group.

He is a former Huddersfield League cricketer who still follows the exploits of both Yorkshire and England’s cricket teams.

He is also a keen follower of Huddersfield Town’s fortunes.

The couple will celebrate their anniversary with a family meal next weekend.

It was the year of the famous Dambusters raid

Thousands of Jews were slaughtered at Minsk

Famous people born in 1943 included Mick Jagger (above), John Nettles and Michael Palin (below)

A trip to the cinema could include For Whom The Bell Tolls and Casablanca

The average price of a house was £545