CHILDHOOD sweethearts Jimmy and Jean Geldard certainly had an explosive start to their relationship.

The couple, who celebrated their golden anniversary on Friday, met, at the age of 12, at a Bonfire Night display in Darlington. But it was another three years before they began courting.

"It was love at second sight really," said Mrs Geldard, 69, of Rosedale Crescent, Branksome.

"I'd met him once and then when I met him again, aged 15, I knew he was the one for me."

The couple married, aged 19, at St Mary's Church, Cockerton. They have seven children: Melvin, 49, Robert, 46, Ellen, 45, June, 44, George, 41, Ann, 40 and Assa, 39.

"We have had our moments, our ups and downs, but we have still stuck together. My husband has had two triple by-passes and has got a pacemaker, which makes our anniversary even more special," said Mrs Geldard.

Mr Geldard, 69, said: "It's been a happy 50 years. We've stuck together through thick and thin."