An Ipswich couple are celebrating 65 happy years of marriage today.

Ipswich Star: Frances and Bernard Studd are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNFrances and Bernard Studd are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Frances and Bernard Studd, 86 and 87, got married on a very wet December 20 in 1952 at the All Hallows Church in Landseer Road in Ipswich.

They met at Sunday school when they were just 14 but were later separated when Bernard had to join the air force.

After 18 months he completed his duties and Bernard asked Frances to be his wife.

The pair were engaged for two years before finally tying the knot.

Ipswich Star: Frances and Bernard Studd are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNFrances and Bernard Studd are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

The couple now have three children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Asked the secret to a long and happy marriage Frances said: “Just be true to one another and be yourself.”

The couple are being taken out tonight to toast their Sapphire anniversary.

Frances said: “We are going out to celebrate with the whole family but I’m not sure what we are doing - it is a big surprise where we are going.”