Newspaper spread with two articles. The first, above, 'They've been together now - for 72 years' celebrates Louise and Arthur [Frank] Thompson's 72nd wedding anniversary. It relays stories of their life. The article is credited to Dick Barton. A photograph of the couple is positioned below the artile, labelled 'The longest married couple in Essex? Frank and Louise Thompson.'

The second article, below, is titled 'Prince Philip's ex-skipper shot dead' recording the the death of Clive Smith. The article is credited to 'Sunday Express Reporter'.

Frank and Louise Thompson, of Marks Tey, probably share the most successful partnership in the Colchester area. Their wedding took place 72 years ago last Friday; and this week they were still happily talking about the event.

They have known each other since the early 1890s but delayed their marriage at Birch church until February 6, 1904.

That week local railmen ate their annual dinner at the Prince of Wales, Marks Tey; a concert raised £6 for Copford workingmen's club; Edward VII was given supper at the National Skating Palace; and whil all this was happening Mr F. Uff was giving singing and organ lessons at home in Alexandria Road, Colchester.

When Victoria was queen. Frank and Louise were classmates at Copford national school. At 14 they both went out to work: Frank to learn the art of brick making; Lousie to become a florin-a-week children's nurse for the Rev William Peck at Feering vicargae.

It was one morning at the brickworks that Frank realised he was in love. But the girl with whom he wanted to cement a lasting relationship was by this time working below stairs in far off London - so he had to be patient.

Then one day the young lady came home to Copford to see her granny and Frank grabbed this rare opportunity to make his romantic feelings known. He swiped some flowers from his granny's garden and offered them the compliments of the season to his sweetheart, thereby beginning a romance that has bloomed ever since.

Over the years the Thompsons, of Wilson's Lane, Marks Tey, have raised eight children, who have in turn introduced 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

And when their family isn't there, this remarkable couple know how to keep themselves amused. Most evenings thye play whist and dominoes. At 93, Frank feels he would like to try something more adventurous - like cribbage. But Louise, who is 94 next month, doesn't share his enthusiasm. "I can't puzzle my brain with that," she says.

Fortunately this minor matrimonial dispute is unlikely to lead to divorce proceedings/ For any marriage that can survive two world wars, at least a dozen dreadful winters, and everything a score of governments can devise, will surely last forever.