THREE couples celebrated a total of 150 years of marriage and renewed their vows in Bradford on Avon.

Jim and Dot House, of South Leigh, Ron and Maureen Mayes, of Bassetts Close and Denzil and Philomena Lincoln, of Trowbridge Road, all celebrated their golden wedding anniversaries during a Mass of Thanksgiving at St Thomas More Roman Catholic Church on Saturday evening.

A quarter peal of bells was rung in their honour and a reception was held in the presbytery afterwards.

Father Conrad Lowry, the parish priest, led the ceremony.

Mr House, 74, said: "It was unique in that there were three families at the same time."

The couple opened their South Leigh house to friends for the day and had hundreds of visits from friends and family.

They feel proud they have been married for 50 years and are looking forward to many more happy times together.

Mr House said: "People don't give enough attention to what marriage means nowadays. We have had our ups and downs. Of course it's not roses all the way."

Mrs House, 74, said compromise was often the key.

"It's important to always see the other person's point of view," she said.