IT was love at first sight as Arthur and Gladys Rodham's eyes met across a crowded dance floor. And after 50 years together, they still only have eyes for each other.

Mr Rodham, 71, has proved that romance doesn't have to fade with the years. For unbeknown to his wife, he had spent a year arranging a surprise for their golden wedding anniversary.

Joined by family and friends, most of whom were at their wedding on March 3, 1951, the couple have renewed their vows at St Michael's Church, Norton, Teesside, where they were married 50 years ago.

The couple, from Stockton, were picked up by their son-in-law, who Mrs Rodham, 67, thought was taking them for a celebratory meal with the rest of the family.

Instead, he drove them to St Michael's - where she was given a bouquet and a hat - and led into the church very startled and unsure about what was going on.

Mr Rodham said: "Though it took a year to organise, the look on my wife's face was worth it. She was very emotional.

"We had managed to keep it a surprise - and it's not an easy task to keep secrets from Gladys. Most of the people who were at our original wedding were there, and we even had the same bridesmaid."

The pair, who have six children, 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, first met in 1949 at the Carlton Dance Hall, in Norton, and have been inseparable ever since.

Mr Rodham, who used to work at British Steel said: "It all started when we were at the dance hall. She got up to dance and I stole her seat and wouldn't let her sit down until she sat on my knee. She did, and love blossomed from there.

"We wouldn't be without each other."

For anyone wanting to emulate the couple's happiness, Mr Rodham has a few tips.

He said: "You have to trust each other and always look on the bright side."

And he added: "I just love her.