JIMMY and Doreen Jeal celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a surprise party at home organised by their family.

The couple, both aged 71, of Hamer Avenue, Blackburn, met in their teens and married at Blackburn Register Office, with a later ceremony at St Anne's RC Church.

Jimmy grew up in Calder Street and attended Bangor Street School. He worked for the Robinson's engineering firm, building companies and Blackburn Council as a dustman.

Doreen's childhood home was at Snow Street and she went to St Alban's School, before working at J and J Porter's textile mill, Gladstone Street, which became Fineways.

The couple have four children, Robert, Caroline, Susan and Pauline, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, with a third expected.

Doreen explained how a marriage can last. She said: "We have a little argument now and again, which clears the air."