THIS golden couple found a recipe for love that spanned five decades after they met at a York tea rooms.

Former office girl Jacqueline Wilson and Ronald Nogle met at Bettys, in St Helen's Square, when she was out for a drink with friends in 1955.

At the time, Mr Nogle, now 73, was an airman second class, based at the United States Air Force station at Full Sutton, while Jacqueline, now 75, was living in Tang Hall.

They married at York Register Office and in 1956 left the city to live in the States. Today, they live in Orlando, Florida.

They returned to visit Mrs Nogle's mother, Sylvia, in 1984 at the family home in Inglebrough Avenue.

On both occasions the couple brought with them the copy of the Evening Press dated June 17, 1955 - the day after their wedding - from their Florida home. When asked about the secret of a successful marriage, Mr Nogle, said: "Definitely doing what your wife tells you! That's what I put it down to. I have always thought women are five years up on us guys and she's been a perfect wife."

Mrs Nogle said: "If you don't nag about the little things they don't know you are serious when you take a stand about something!"

She said it was good to be back in the city where she grew up and they were very impressed with the city's buses which they had been using to get about.

"All the routes have changed since I was last here and the drivers have been so friendly and helpful," said Mrs Nogle.

The couple are staying with Jacqueline's sister, Anne Granger, in Osbaldwick, and would love to meet up with old friends. They can be contacted on 01904 412214.

Updated: 10:48 Tuesday, June 28, 2005