Annette and Brian Hanson, both 69, of The Crescent, Charles Street, Elland, met at the Odeon cinema, Broad Street, Halifax, when Brian asked to sit next to her during a showing of TheFuzzy Pink Nightgown.

Mr Hanson, who was in the Service Corps, received special dispensation to marry at Huddersfield Register Office three years later.

His service took him to Cyprus, Africa, Germany and Ireland.

By 1964, the couple had two daughters, Vanessa and Lorraine. In 1964 Mr Hanson left the Army and worked as a long-distance lorry driver for Rowntree Mackintosh.

Mrs Hanson also worked at the factory, as a machinery operator, until 1995. She was a volunteer at Overgate Hospice, Elland, for more than 10 years and continues to help out at both the League of Friends and Brighouse Rest Centre.

Since retiring, they enjoy taking holidays. Their favourite trip was flying on Concorde to New York.

Mrs Hanson said: "I love him as much now as I always have done. In fact, I think it's more.

"We have gone through all sorts. He's had cancer and we've got through that.

"I have had a heart attack and we've come through that.

"And we've done it all with a sense of humour."

They celebrated with a party for friends and family, including their four grandsons.