British couple become world's oldest divorcees aged 98

British couple Bertie and Jessie Wood have become the oldest couple in the world to divorce – aged 98.

The pair ended their 36-year marriage when they were both two years away from their 100th birthdays.

They got married in Elstree, Hertfordshire, in 1972, having both ended previous marriages, before moving to Falmouth Cornwall four years later.

However, by 2008, when they were both aged 97, their relationship faltered and a decree absolute is believed to have been granted subsequently.

According to neighbours of the former couple, Mrs Wood now lives in a care home. Mr Wood died shortly before he turned 99.

Mrs Wood's daughter Pauline Rowe, 65, refused to discuss the split. “It's too hurtful to talk about,” she said. Terence Wood, Mr Wood's son from his first marriage, also refused to comment on the divorce.