A COUPLE who snatched their first kiss after a night out dancing are celebrating 50 years of happy marriage.

Mary and Jack Whittaker, of Portree Crescent, Blackburn, are grandparents-of-six who regularly enjoy visits from three more great- grandchildren.

The couple married at Blackburn Register officer on April 4 1953. They have since been members of Knuzden and Intack Conservative club for 30 years.

While Jack, 72, dedicated his working life to The Cobble in Gate Street as a sitter and turner, Mary, 69, worked at Audley Mill.

Mary was born in Wigan but moved to Blackburn with her father who worked on canal boats. She won a singing competition and began performing at local dances which is how the couple met.