THE magic of the movies brought golden anniversary couple Walter and Florence Spence together more than 50 years ago.

The couple met while working at the former Astoria Theatre, in Darlington.

Mrs Spence was in the pay box and her husband-to-be was usher.

The couple, both born in the town, were married at the Holy Trinity Church on May 24, 1952. Mr Spence, 76, worked as a welder until the 1970s, when he became caretaker at the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

He said: "I was caretaker there for about ten years, and I also looked after part of the technical college, and they were the best years of my working life."

Mrs Spence, 79, worked in the canteen at the Cummins Engines factory in Darlington for several years.

The couple, who live in Brunel Way, have a daughter Eileen and two granddaughters, Lara and Louse.

They will taking a trip in the country today to celebrate their anniversary.

Mr Spence said: "Our daughter has got something laid on for us, but it's a bit of a mystery and we don't know where we're going."