Fifty years ago their eyes met across a smokey dance floor and it was love at first sight.
Today Stuart and Patricia Irene Styles from Cattawade Link, Basildon, are more in love than ever and celebrating their golden wedding.
Golden - happy couple Stuart and Patricial Styles Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
The couple - who had just come out of the Army - fell instantly in love after meeting at a local dance in 1952 and were married within a year.
Mr Styles, 73, said: "I think trust is the most important ingredient of a successful marriage.
"We don't keep secrets from one another and of course we have stayed in love."
The couple are celebrating their anniversary on December 19 with a barn dance for friends and family this weekend.
They have two sons - Stephen, 49, and David, 45 - and five grandchildren.
Published Thursday November 27, 2003
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