A couple have celebrated half a century together.

Golden couple Brian, 77, and Barbara Kirkby, 73, from Tycehurst Hill, Loughton, met at a dance in Sir James Hawkey Hall, Woodford Green, in 1960 and married two years later.

When asked about the moment they met Mrs Kirkby said: “He came over to me and said: ‘You stand there. I’m going to put my beer down dance with you.’

“He didn’t take me home that night because I had to get the last bus and I thought he might meet someone else.”

Mr Kirkby did not meet anyone else and the couple went on their first date to the cinema in Leyton, near to where Mr Kirkby lived.

Mrs Kirkby said: “He was a bit naughty because he didn’t tell me he lived nearby and I had to come all the way from Debden.”

The couple got engaged at Christmas 1961 and celebrated with a party at Mrs Kirkby’s mother’s house in Debden.

The couple then married on November 16, 1963, at St John’s Church, Church Lane, Loughton.

During their marriage Mrs Kirkby recalled the best present her husband ever bought her was a silver Citroën AX for their 25th anniversary.

The two will celebrate their golden anniversary at Churchgate Hotel in Churchgate Street, Harlow with their two sons and grandchildren and around 50 family and friends on November 16.

On the key to a long and happy marriage Mr Kirkby said: “You have to be prepared to forgive each other‘s mistakes.”

His wife said: “There’s no secret to it, you have your ups and downs but it’s about give and take and being nice to each other.”