A FISH and chip shop in Prestwich might seem an unlikely place for the start of a lasting relationship, but William and Marina Swinburn have spent 50 years together after meeting there.

William, who lived in Newcastle at the time, was staying with friends on a visit to Blackpool's illuminations, when he went into the shop owned by Marina's parents.

The couple hit it off, and William decided to give up his job as a coal miner and move to Prestwich to be with Marina.

Just five months after meeting, they married at Prestwich Methodist Church in Bury Old Road, on December 17 1955, and have just celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

But life wasn't all plain sailing once they were married.

William, now aged 77, started working on the railways, and in 1957, he was hit by an express train while working in a tunnel near Whitefield station. Miraculously, he only chipped a small bone in his shoulder and suffered a few bruises.

He decided to leave the job though, and spent 35 years working for the post office before retiring.

Marina (71), who was born in Davyhulme and moved to Prestwich with her parents in 1949, worked in a tax office.

The couple, who now live in Stanley Road, Whitefield, have two sons - Mark (43) and Robin (41) - and six grandchildren - Stephanie (16), James (15), Stuart (14), Zoe (13), Craig (11) and Callum (9).

They enjoyed a meal with their whole family at The Garsdale, in Bury, to celebrate their anniversary.

And the secret to a successful marriage?

Marina said: "There is no secret to staying together. You just have to choose the right person to be with in the first place."