A RYDE couple will be spending a cosy 65th wedding anniversary together as they celebrate, just the two of them, in isolation.

Fran and Derek Thompson didn't expect on Thursday (yesterday) to be celebrating their 65 years of marriage in lockdown, but the coupl, who lived through the Blitz, aren't too concerned.

Fran said: “We’ve been through the Second World War, food rationing and the Blitz. This is very different but we tend to be quite laid back and try not to worry unnecessarily.

"We’ve got each other, a lovely home, our music and lots of books — and we really enjoy sharing a meal.”

The couple moved to the Island to be closer to family two years ago after meeting in London several decades ago.

Fran said: "We would nip out at lunchtime and put a coin on a chair to reserve our seats at the top West End theatres.

"We’d be way up in the Gods but have some amazing shows and stars on first nights including Laurence Olivier and Barbra Streisand.

"It’s simple really, we have a beautiful relationship based on love, mutual respect, shared interests and beliefs.

"We are always kind to one another and see the glass as half full rather than half empty.”

Derek said: "Our mutual love of theatre brought us together and remains to this day. We don’t get to London anymore but we have been discovering the Island’s vibrant performing arts.

“Family means so very much to us. We are blessed to have our son and daughter-in-law just eight miles away."