A couple who have been married for nearly 52 years and live together at a High Wycombe care home for veterans are celebrating Valentine's Day today.

Neil and Betty Whitlock first met at a judo club and got married in St Mary's Church in Old Amersham in April 1969.

Now, the pair live together at the Royal Star and Garter care home in Hughenden Avenue.

They both live with dementia, but Neil, now 86, still remembers first meeting Betty, now 92, clearly.

The veteran, who served in the Army for his National Service, said: "There used to be a judo class on Wednesday evenings. I used to go along and help with the beginners.

"I walked in one evening and there was Betty, with a friend. She was talking to one of the other instructors and I went over to say hello.

"After judo we’d go across the road to a pub for a drink, and I offered her a lift home. And things took off from there.

"It means a lot that we are still here together, many years later, hand in hand.”

The High Wycombe Royal Star and Garter care home will be making sure all the married couples at the home celebrate special activities today.

The activities team will organise flower-arranging and other events, while residents will enjoy a delicious dinner.

Pauline Shaw, director of care at Royal Star & Garter, said: “For many people, the thought of moving into a care home signals the very real possibility of being separated from the person they love and have spent their lives with.

"The charity has a history of caring for couples, and I’m delighted that have very special couples who will share Valentine’s Day together with us. We’ll make sure it’s a lovely day.”