TWO York couples were today toasting 50 years of marriage - and looking forward to many more happy years to come.

Jack and Hazel Willis were celebrating the success of their teenage romance that has brought them many happy years.

Jack and Hazel, of Rawcliffe, tied the knot at Heworth Church on April 2, 1955 before celebratory drinks at the Tang Hall Hotel.

They met when 15-year-old Hazel worked at Rowntrees and Jack, 17, was a farm worker.

Hazel, an only child, waited until just before her 21st birthday before marrying.

Their best man was Pete Reid, while Pearl Metcalfe, Hilary Dransfield, Olive Willis and Beryl Cole were bridesmaids at the "rainbow wedding", wearing pink, blue, mauve and turquoise dresses.

"There was snow on the ground - it really was a white wedding. It was a lovely day," said Hazel.

Originally from Durham, Jack went on to work as a driver for M D Knowlson at Sutton-on-the-Forest before becoming a long-distance HGV driver. The couple later teamed up to drive Hackney cabs for about ten years before Jack retired through ill-health.

They have two children, Robert and Sandra, and grandchildren Michael, Adam, Jack, Josh and Rommanna.

Now aged 73, Jack and Hazel, 70, enjoy spending time with their family and working on their allotment.

The couple were celebrating later today at New Earswick Folk Hall, where they marked their silver anniversary.

"When we get married it was for life, and we have always had a good marriage," said Hazel. "Everyone has their ups and downs, but you just pull together and work through things together."

Chance encounter led to romance

AFTER a chance meeting between Ron and Joyce Lincoln in Sheffield over 50 years ago, they realised they had more in common than they first thought.

Soon after their first date, Ron discovered their mothers were old schoolfriends and their grandmothers were next-door neighbours, so they had probably met several times as children.

Ron, 75, said they had held a regular seat at the back row of the local cinema until they bought a TV.

They married in Sheffield and had four children; Judith, Wendy, Graham and Ruth. They came to York in 1985.

"We did a lot of arguing in those days. People used to say we'd never get married because we spent too much time arguing, but we've been very happy," he said.

Joyce, 71, said: "They always say opposites attract and we've both always had our own opinions, but we think that's why we get on so well."

They celebrated their anniversary with a champagne break in Sheffield and were spending today with friends.

The couple have seven grandchildren and one on the way.

Updated: 10:14 Saturday, April 02, 2005