The nation's sweethearts

RAF lovebirds Kathleen and Roy Lawrence wed 74 years ago – and yesterday they became the nation's sweethearts as they sealed the VE Day celebrations with a kiss.

- By Giles Sheldrick Chief Reporter

The centenarians, who tied the knot in 1951, were on the top table again when they sat down with other Second World War heroes for a tea party thrown in their honour.

Roy, 100, clutched a bouquet of flowers as he shared his kiss with Kathleen, 101.

The couple were at one of the largest get-togethers for veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum, the home of remembrance in Staffordshire.

The event was put on by the Royal British Legion – and 44 heroes who helped secure peace in Europe were there to celebrate the momentous 80th anniversary.

They included Britain's oldest veteran, Donald Rose, who incredibly notched up his 110th birthday last Christmas Eve.

Donald, of Ilkeston, Derbys, was 25 when he joined the Queen's Royal Regiment and went on to train as a sniper.

He served in Europe and North Africa and puts his longevity down to the salty water he had to drink during his time as a Desert Rat.

He is also a proud recipient of France's highest award - the Legion of Honour.