A CHILTON couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary today have revealed there is no secret to a happy marriage.
George and Joan Elliott were married in St Aiden's Church, Chilton on September 26, 1953.
They had met at a dance in the King's Hall, Bishop Auckland, when they were both 19.
Mr Elliott, a member of Chilton Parish Council, worked down the mines for 25 years, first in Chilton, then in Fishburn. His wife worked for some time at the Tallent factory in Newton Aycliffe.
The couple, who have lived in Chilton for almost all of their married life, have two children - Lyn, who lives in Woodham village and Keven who has emigrated to Australia. They also have four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mr and Mrs Elliott, now both aged 71, were surprised when the Mayor of Sedgefield borough, Councillor George Gray, visited their house yesterday with a bouquet of flowers to mark the occasion.
Chilton Parish Council chairman Barry Jones also presented the couple with a bouquet.
The couple are planning to have a low key celebration with their family.
Mr Elliott said: "There's no secret to a happy marriage really. We've just gone from week-to-week, but we've had a very happy marriage."
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