PENSIONER Eric Blackburn has two reasons to celebrate today (Friday, April 11).

The former Henderson’s garage door factory worker is celebrating both his 72nd birthday and his 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr Blackburn, originally of Oakenshaw, near Willington, and his wife Sheila, also 72, live in Mrs Blackburn’s native Kelloe.

They met in Durham and wed at Kelloe Methodist Chapel in 1964.

Daily readers of The Northern Echo, they have two daughters, Gillian and Amanda, and four grandchildren.

Mrs Blackburn formerly worked in a factory and as a cleaner.

Now retired, Mr Blackburn enjoys gardening, while his wife likes reading.

They plan to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary with friends and relatives.

Asked the key to a long and happy marriage, Mrs Blackburn said: “Like every couple we have our arguments, but we go along with each other.”