A COUPLE married for 66 years have been permanently reunited following a dispute over care homes.

Sandra Blight enlisted the help of MP David Evennett and News Shopper after her parents were separated by Bexley Council.

Marie Kennedy, 86, was left in her house while her husband Gordon, 96, was moved to a Bexleyheath care home in April.

Last weekend, the pair were allowed to live together at the Bexleyheath home while their daughter looked for a more permanent solution.

Now, following negotiations with the council, Mrs Blight has found a place for both of them at a seaside home in Deal, 20 minutes from her own house.

The couple went to see the place last Thursday and moved in that very day.

Mrs Bright said: “They seem to have settled in there now and they’re together, looking over the sea.

“The view on a good day is France - it’s lovely.

“My mum thinks it’s wonderful and my dad’s happy because he’s with her.

“We’ve taken his organ down there and he was playing away on it.

“This is what we wanted and it’s a perfect result really.”

She added: “We wouldn’t be anywhere now without the News Shopper coverage and support of David Evennett.

“I’d like to say thanks to everyone for their support and to all the readers for their comments - it’s been really heartening.”

A spokesman for Bexley Council said: "Through the two weeks intensive and planned assessment and reablement period, we were able to work with Mrs Kennedy to ensure we had an agreed picture of her needs and her wishes - which we regularly shared with her family.

"During this time we were also able to observe Mr Kennedy while he resided in the care home in borough.

"This important assessment period exists to ensure the best possible outcome for families in situations such as this and is a vital part of the process.

"We are pleased to have been able to support the couple in moving to a suitable care home together, nearer to their daughter at the end of that assessment."