A couple are celebrating a milestone after a half century of marriage.

Ken and Olive Monk reach their golden anniversary today.

The couple married 50 years ago at St Catherine's Church in Crook, but now live in Clifton Road, Darlington

Retired Mr Monk, 74, a former employee of Rothman's cigarette factory on McMullen Road, Darlington, met his wife Olive, 78, at a dance in Thornley, near Durham, where he lived at the time.

Mr Monk said it was not love at first sight: "I asked to take her home, and was told I would have a long walk because she lived in Crook."

He said they had experienced ups and downs like any marriage, but had always worked through them.

He said: "I don't believe anyone that says they have been married 50 years and never had an argument."

The couple, who have three sons and nine children, plan to mark the occasion with a family meal at the Oak Tree Inn, Middleton St George.