London, Nov 8 : A British man and his wife, both 98, have become the world’s oldest couple to divorce after they decided to end their 36-year-old marriage.

Bertie and Jessie Wood were already married before they officially wed in 1972 in Elstree, Herts.

However, their relationship was wavering by 2008, when they were both 97 and it is believed they were granted a decree absolute consequently.

The reason for the spilt is not known.

Jessie''s 65-year-old daughter Pauline Rowe refused to divulge the reason of the pair’s separation.

"It''s too hurtful to talk about," the News of the World quoted her, as saying.

Terence Wood, Bertie''s son from his first marriage, also refused to say anything on the issue.

Divorce expert Francine Kaye said: "At that age you''d think you''d find some way of getting on with each other."

Bertie died months after the divorce and neighbours say Jessie lives in a care home now.

Earlier Simon, 97, and Ida Stern, 91, of Wisconsin, US, who split in 1984, were the world oldest recorded divorcees. (ANI)