Ron and Eileen Everest never knew a world without each other. They were born in the same hospital – he in 1921, she in 1922 – and were friends practically from birth.

As 4-year-olds, they posed as bride and groom in a pretend wedding at a carnival. Later, barely out of their teens, they married for real.

And this year, 87 years after that old photo was taken, the one they fondly refer to as their first wedding rehearsal, the British couple are celebrating their platinum anniversary after 70 years of marriage.