JOYCE and Gerald Spackman are celebrating half a century of marriage with friends and neighbours.

The couple now live in Toothill and have lived in the town for their entire married life, meeting for the first time at the Saturday dance in Bradford Hall.

Joyce, now 73, was asked to dance by a dashing Gerald, now 74, and their friendship blossomed.

Although they're now retired they look back on a long working career. Joyce worked at Fowler's Wedding shop before moving to John Treasure as a tailor. Meanwhile Gerald worked as a baker at various bakeries across the town.

Joyce admits it wasn't love at first sight. She said: "He came up to me and asked me to dance. We just enjoyed each other's company."

After around three years of courting, they decided to tie the knot at Christ Church in Old Town but there was no honeymoon.

Joyce said: "I think we just decided to spend the time at home here in Swindon enjoying each other's company."

Joyce and Gerald have two sons, Christopher and Paul, who will join the weekend celebrations.