A HAPPY couple from Blackburn have celebrated 50 years together.

Enid and Jim Wilkinson were married on November 30 1951, but the changing times have not stopped them from reaching their golden anniversary.

The couple, from Arkwright Fold, met when they worked in shops next door to each other.

Jim, 72, said: "We've always lived in Blackburn. I worked in my father's butchers shop, and my wife worked next door, in a lady's hairdressers, in the Witton area."

The golden couple now have two children, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. The latest addition to the family, Matthew, was born just two weeks ago.

Enid, now 71, worked as a dinner lady at St Bede's High School, Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, until her retirement.

She said: "Our fifty years together have been wonderful. The secret is tolerance."