A NORTH Dorset couple say the secret of their 65 year marriage is having one boss - but not telling anyone else who it is.

David, 86, a resident at Colten Care's Whitecliffe House in Blandford, and Della, 83, celebrated their anniversary with a family lunch at the town's Crown Hotel.

The couple, who have two daughters and two grandchildren, met in 1947 on Leigh-on-Sea railway station in Essex when David literally fell out of a carriage into Della's arms.

They married four years later in Romford and lived in a number of locations due to David's work as an electrical engineer, moving to Dorset in the early 1960s.

Della was a member of North Dorset District Council for 45 years and served as a county councillor for 21 years. She was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1987 for services to tourism and the community.

David was a community stalwart in Winterborne Zelston, organising many village events over the years. He became a resident at Whitecliffe House three years ago.

Staff at the home marked the couple's wedding anniversary with a cake and champagne.

The pair shared their secret to a happy marriage, telling visitors: "Only one of us is in charge."

However, they declined to say which of the two takes the lead, and Della said: "That's the secret of our success."

Della, who is the Dorset patron of Cancer Research UK, added: "My husband was given only a few weeks to live when he arrived at Whitecliffe House.

"The fact that we're able to celebrate our 65th wedding anniversary is due to the love and care he has received at Whitecliffe House.

"It is a wonderful home."

Anne Tapley, home manager, said: "David and Della are a lovely couple and we feel very privileged to be able to share such a landmark anniversary with them."