AN ISLE of Wight couple marked a very special occasion earlier this month as they celebrated their 65th (Blue Sapphire) wedding anniversary.

Tom, 86, and Marceline Ryan, 83, first met at the Locarno Ballroom in Liverpool, where they were originally from, when Tom was 21 and Marceline was 19.

After asking Marceline out four times, only for her to refuse, Tom’s perseverance was finally rewarded when she agreed to a date.

He had planned to meet at a bar in the city before heading to the cinema, but that night, ended up going to meet her parents instead!

The pair were married at St Mary’s Church in the West Derby area of Liverpool on Wednesday, February 5, 1958.

They went on to have two children, Myles and Adrian, one grandson, Andrew, and two great-grandchildren, who are twins.

After holidaying on the Island a few times, Tom and Marceline decided to move to Shanklin around 14 years ago, now living in East Cowes, to be closer to their family.

When asked what the secret to a long and happy marriage is, Tom joked: “Don’t answer back!”

He continued: “You must never go to bed on an argument. 

"Before you close your eyes at night, make sure to say ‘goodnight’ or ‘I love you’.”

To mark the special occasion, the couple went to Albert Cottage in East Cowes, celebrating their day with 12 family members.

Tom and Marceline received a happy anniversary message from King Charles III, which pairs with the congratulations sent by Queen Elizabeth II on their 60th wedding anniversary in 2018.