Journalist Laura Telford and photographer Ivan Sajko enjoyed an afternoon with the residents as they shared their secrets to a long and happy relationship.

The secret to a happy love-filled life is finding someone who adores you as much as you adore them according to Freda Braddy.

Married to her husband Ronald for 74 years, Freda Braddy said that love is about accepting your partner and being their everything.

“He was the absolute love of my life, and I adored him and much as he adored me,” Mrs Braddy said.

“We loved each other and would talk about everything, and anything I told him I knew wholeheartedly that he wouldn’t repeat it and he knew the same thing about me.

“We would do anything for each other, these days all people think about is themselves but back in my day we always thought of each other first; that is not to say we didn’t have arguments but above all we had love and that is the most important thing.”

After years of marriage Elsie Pilcher says love is everything.

“What is love? Well love is everything isn’t? Without it you have nothing. Love is getting along with your partner and sometimes doing things you don’t want to do for them but knowing they will appreciate it,” Mrs Pilcher said.

“I think love has changed over the years because young people these days want to know what’s in it for them.

“You should tell the person you love that you love them everyday because it is important to know you are loved.”

Very much still in love, Malcolm and Maisey Garrington say they know a little bit about love after being married for 67 years.

“I have known Maisey for over 70 years and we have been married for nearly 67 of those years so we can tell you a bit about love,” laughed Mr Garrington.

“Wanting to spend time with your partner is a good start, open communication and lots and lots of love can only help.

“Everyone is different but it is important to be compatible and lead a healthy and active life so you can spend the most time with the person you love.”