Ref. 29365-09TEAMWORK and trust are the binding forces behind Eric and Peggy Arkell's long marriage.

The happy couple, who celebrate their golden wedding tomorrow first met in 1952 at the Connaught restaurant in Cromwell Street, Swindon.

And Eric, 74, remembers the first date that followed.

"We went to see a film at the Savoy cinema," he said. "Ever since, we have always done everything together."

The pair, of Bevan Close, Upper Stratton, will celebrate the day with a good knees-up at the Royal British Legion in Stratton with friends and family.

He said: "My first job after leaving school aged 14 was as a driver at Arkell's brewery. There's no family connection, as far as I know though.

"Back then the barrels were wooden and extremely heavy it was hard work."

In 1957, after National Service with the Berkshire Regiment, Mr Arkell joined aircraft component firm Plessey in Kembrey Street, and then worked at Pressed Steel.

But after 10 years he became resident caretaker at Colebrook Infant and Junior School a position he held for 29 years. Peggy, 69, also worked there as a cleaner, until they retired in 1995.

Before that she was a shop assistant at Co-op stores across Swindon.

"We worked really well together and enjoyed every moment," she said.

Mr Arkell added: "The only way a marriage will last is if you work together and have fun along the way. It's a partnership."

The couple have three children Lorraine, 48, Pauline, 46, and Chris, 38. They also have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.