A DANCE in a St John Ambulance hall led to 50 years of happy marriage for Darwen couple Ken and Joan Brown.

Joan, 68, a former school cook, knew it was true love the moment she laid eyes on Ken, 69, at the dance in Duckworth Street. A 12 month engagement was followed by a wedding at Holy Trinity Church.

The couple will mark the occasion during a family meal at the Red lion in Blacksnape tonight. The get-together has been organised by the couple's four sons, Ken, 49, Colin, 48, Geoff, 44 and David, 39.

Their nine grandchildren will be at the bash to make the day special. Joan said: "We have our ups and downs. But we have worked at it and lasted. I have loved every minute of it. I wouldn't be here now celebrating if I hadn't."