A COUPLE from Consett met family and friends for a party at their home yesterday to celebrate 65 years of married life.

George Cowell, 92, and his wife, Muriel, 90, of The Avenue, met at Blackpool when they stayed next door to each other at a boarding house, in 1937.

Mr Cowell went to sea with the Merchant Navy, but the Newcastle man had already promised himself to his South Yorkshire sweetheart.

They married in her hometown of Doncaster, in 1940, and shared their lives in Doncaster and Leeds, before moving to Consett, when Mr Cowell got a job as an engineering manager.

He said he was delighted to reach the landmark wedding anniversary.

Mr Cowell said: "We get on well together and always have. We have rowed a little bit, but nothing serious.

"People should learn to understand each other and not get bothered by the little things in life.

"We are certainly very pleased to reach 65 years together."

The couple have a son, David, a daughter, Lynda, and a grandson, Simon.

They joined the happy couple with friends for a get-together in their house.

Mrs Cowell said: "We have had a lovely day, and people have been bringing flowers, roses, chocolates and drinks, so we should be kept busy for quite a while.

"The secret of a long and happy marriage is a bit of give and take."