IT has been quite a year for Nancy and Kenneth Wilson.

The couple, from Rookery Gardens, Rushyford, became grandparents in January, when their daughter, Janice, gave birth to twins Adam and Jack.

Their son, Colin, has just celebrated his 40th birthday and today they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr and Mrs Wilson were married at Windlestone Methodist Church on March 29, 1952.

They were both born in the village and first met at the youth club run in the local church.

The couple have not strayed far since, living in Chilton until 1964, when they moved to Ferryhill. They settled in Rushyford in 1980.

Mr Wilson, 75, spent all his working life with the National Coal Board, doing various jobs until his retirement in 1985.

He is well-known in the area for his watercolour paintings.

Mrs Wilson, who celebrates her 71st birthday on Sunday, worked at Lazenby's the builders in Ferryhill until she left to care for her mother.

Mrs Wilson said: "It is hard to say what the secret of a happy marriage is. We have always been tolerant of each other, respected each other and loved each other a lot."

The couple will celebrate their anniversary with a family party at their home.