Golden Wedding couple Francis and Pam Loftus renew their marriage vows in a ceremony conducted by their son, Francis.

One York couple couldn't have cared less about the Millennium.

For Francis and Pam Loftus were celebrating their Golden Wedding and they renewed their marriage vows in a ceremony conducted by their son, the Rev Francis Loftus, headteacher of Barlby High School and non-stipendiary minister of Barlby and Riccall.

"The Millennium isn't anything," said Mr Loftus senior. "We haven't even thought of the Millennium. It is just another year. Every New Year's Eve means a lot to us because it is always our anniversary and invariably we have a party."

More than 60 family and friends were at this year's party and the ceremony in the couple's home in Hanson Place, near York District Hospital.

The couple originally planned to marry in Easter 1950, but Mr Loftus, who was then a regular sailor in the Royal Navy, learnt he was to be sent on a two-and-a-half year commission overseas.

So they brought the wedding forward and the only available date was New Year's Eve, when they became man and wife at St Philip's and St James's, Clifton.

Mr Loftus was born in York and after eight years in the Navy, where he rose to be a leading seaman, he worked at Rowntree's factory until he retired.

Mrs Loftus moved to York from Castleford when she was 14.

"We are good chums," said Mr Loftus. "We get on well with each other, we work together well. That is why we have got so far."

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