A COUPLE raised £600 to help underprivileged children to play rugby with a party to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

Mally and Joy Clarey, of Coundon, said there is no secret to their success but that it is about going through the good and the bad times together.

They met at a dance in Leeholme Welfare Club, before they married at Woodhouse Close Methodist Church, in Bishop Auckland, and their reception took place at Tindale Workingmen’s Club.

They will mark their 50 years tomorrow (Friday) with a family meal.

The couple have three children and six grandchildren.

Retired painter and decorator Mr Clarey, 67, added: “We used to dance together and it went from there.

“We’ve had the good times and the bad but it all works out in the end. We have so many happy times.”

Mrs Clarey, 68, said: “The kids and our grandchildren are our lives. They are all great.

“I think you just have to work at it (the marriage). You get what you put into it.”

The money raised from the party at Bishop Auckland Ruby Club has been donated to the club.