CHAMPAGNE flowed in a York village as a couple celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Barbara and Andrew Jones of Nether Poppleton yesterday celebrated their golden wedding, surrounded by friends and family.

Barbara, 74, a native of Cheshire, met Andrew, 78, from Liverpool, shortly after the Second World War.

Andrew had been in the RAF before he joined the company where Barbara worked - and the rest is history.

"We just met, and fell in love, it was quite simple in those days," said Barbara.

"And now we have enjoyed 50 wonderful years together. Like anybody, in 50 years sometimes it goes wrong, and sometimes it is marvellous. And yesterday was a great celebration of it all."

The couple began their celebrations the day before their anniversary, with a family meal at the Dean Court Hotel, before a garden party yesterday with around 30 family and friends.

Barbara said: "We organised it ourselves, in our garden, with the champagne flowing, and a beautiful cake.

"It was lovely to have so many friends around us to join in our fun."

The couple have moved gradually eastwards since their marriage, beginning in Liverpool, before moving to Cheshire, Boston Spa and finally settling in Nether Poppleton.

"We have enjoyed 20 lovely years here," said Andrew.

Barbara added: "All in all we have managed very well for 50 years, and are looking forward to many more."

Updated: 12:02 Monday, March 31, 2003