A COUPLE who met when the factories they worked in shared the same cafe are today celebrating fifty years of marriage.

Ronnie and Dorothy Jefferson married on October 10, 1964, after going on their first date to the Odeon cinema aged 15.

Mr Jefferson, 70, said: “We went to see The Queen’s Guards, all of those years ago and I can still remember what we watched.

”We’ve had our up and downs like everyone but we have worked through them together, they say true love never runs smooth.”

The pair said their success was down to working together, trusting each other and giving one another space.

They courted for five years before tying the knot at St Mark’s Church in Eldon, and have lived in the area ever since.

Mrs Jefferson said: “We had a bit of a carry on, on the wedding day. I had to go to Shildon to the hairdressers and I missed the bus and thought we were going to be late.

“He’s always been there for me, he’s my soul mate.”

They have a daughter, Cheryl, who will join them this weekend to celebrate their anniversary.