The 1970 FA Cup Final wasn't enough to put paid to George and Sue Pearce's perfect wedding day, and neither is coronavirus as they mark their golden anniversary.

Today, the Deal couple are marking five decades since they wed at St Leonard's Church in Sholden.

But instead of celebratory meal plans with their family, they are settling for their favourite tipples - a gin and a rum - in the sunshine at home.

They are also anticipating an evening meal delivered from The Three Compasses.

Mrs Pearce, 69, said: "We have looked after each other through whatever life has thrown at us, and this is no different.

"We can wait and do something when normality returns."

Mr Pearce, 71, added: "We can still laugh together, which I feel, is the secret of our 50 years together and why we will be together for a long time yet, God willing."

The pair first met at the Pegasus Restaurant - now Dunkerley's Hotel and Restaurant - where Mrs Pearce worked as a waitress.

They were married 11 months later on April 11, 1970 at St Leonard's Church in Sholden near Deal by the Rev John Gore.

Mr Pearce said: "It was a lovely day for a wedding and also for an FA Cup Final, which meant a lot of the lads were at the back of the church with a transistor radio!"

The Wembley Stadium match between Chelsea and Leeds United made history, ending 2–2, making it the first FA Cup final to require a replay since 1912.

Their bridesmaids were Maureen Brown and Anne Pearce, with George's brother Martin as best man. Mrs Pearce was given away by her brother Ellis Brown.

Their reception was held at the Alma pub in Deal with a cake made by family friend Mrs Parkes.

They skipped a honeymoon as they were due to move to London, where Mr Pearce had been offered a job with Coty Cosmetics.

However, Mrs Peace fell pregnant prompting them to return to Deal where their daughter Sharon was born in 1971. Their second child Mark arrived two years later.

They were given a council house in St Richards Road where they lived until 1980 before moving to Delane Road where they remain.

They have four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr Pearce said: "Our family has been the rock on which our marriage is based and we are extremely proud of everything they have achieved and will go on to achieve in the future.

"At the moment we can only Facetime and enjoy the videos we are sent."

Mr Pearce, a retired caretaker at Warden House School, and Mrs Pearce, a carer at Meadowside Respite Centre, for two decades, both retired in December 2014.

Mr Pearce still works as the lollipop man for the school, in London Road.

They enjoy visits to see their grandchildren in Norfolk and holidays with their dog, Layla.

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