Les and Janice Hornby are celebrating 50 years of marriage today.

The golden couple, who live in Kirk Hammerton, first met in December 1958 at the village drama society. Les had just returned home from completing his national service.

They were married on August 2, 1961, at the village church and spent their honeymoon in the Lake District, where they are planning to return later this month as part of their celebrations.

A party was held at the weekend in the village hall for family and friends including their five grandchildren.

When asked what was the secret to a happy marriage, Les said: “Tolerance, you’ve got to adjust. You have disagreements but you work through them and it makes you both stronger.”