A YORK couple were today enjoying a double celebration as they mark 50 years of married bliss.

Retired chartered accountant Peter Skelton underwent a triple heart bypass three months ago and he praised his wife, Shirley, for the “wonderful” support she had given him since the operation.

The couple, who live in Chiltern Way, Huntington, were having a double celebration today, for their golden wedding anniversary and also for Mr Skelton’s 73rd birthday, which was yesterday.

Mr Skelton, who originally came from Fulford, said he found it hard to believe how times had changed. He recalled that after the couple were married, they bought a three-bedroom semi-detached house for £2,100, on a mortgage of £12.62 per month.

“I worry and wonder where those 50 years have gone. They have just evaporated.

“But I still love my wife as much as I did when I married her.”

Mrs Skelton, now 69, said she met her husband at the YWCA youth club in Cumberland Street, York, when she was 16 and lived in Tang Hall.

The couple courted for about three years before they became engaged.

Mrs Skelton attributed their happiness to a good sense of humour, hobbies, holidays and good friends.

“We have got a lovely family and lovely friends,” she said. The couple have a son and a daughter in their forties, Nigel Skelton and Karen Garland, and two grandchildren, Rebecca Garland, aged 20, and Joshua Garland, 17.

They will celebrate with their family and friends at Fulford Golf Club.