IT is not surprising that George and Jean Crossman have stayed together for 50 years of marriage - even at school they were inseparable.
The pair, who live in Craghead, near Stanley, met on Christmas Eve 1943 at Jean's aunt's house.
Jean, who lived in Edmondsley at the time, was ribbed by school friends for sticking to the same boyfriend for so long.
The couple were married at Edmondsley on August 7, 1950. They wanted to get married earlier, but their families thought they were too young.
George, 74, was originally from Bloemfontein, near Stanley, and spent 46 years working at Craghead Colliery, before retiring in 1982.
Jean, 71, said: "I remember my friends thinking I was silly going out with one boy while I was at school, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I wish we had another 50 years."
The couple, of William Street, plan to celebrate their golden wedding with friends and family at one of their three daughters' houses.
They have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren
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