A COUPLE have some sound advice for newlyweds wanting to emulate their successful married life - never go to sleep on an argument.

Mary and Walter Halladay, of Patterdale Close, Crook, believe these words of wisdom have helped them pull together through the past 50 years.

They celebrated their golden wedding on Saturday with a party at Crook Cricket Club for their family and friends.

The couple were married at Mary Queen of Martyrs RC Church, Esh Winning, on February 3, 1951.

They have one daughter, Barbara.

Mr Halladay, 74, spent his working life as a long-distance lorry driver .

His wife, aged 71, did clerical work until leaving to spend more time running the home and looking after her family.

Mrs Halladay said: "We always said when we were married we would never go to sleep on an argument - and we never have. We've always sorted all our differences out.