Being told to shut up in the cinema by a complete stranger is not the usual way to begin a 50-year marriage, but that is how it started for Fred and Joyce Lerry.

Mr Lerry, aged 68, a retired engineer, was at the cinema watching a film with another girl and his future wife was in the row in front.

"He was talking through the film," said Mrs Lerry, also aged 68. "I told him to shut up and he just did it. He knew who was boss even then."

"She's been doing it ever since," joked Mr Lerry.

The couple, who live in Barnes Way, Cherry Orchard, met for the second time a few days after the cinema episode when they bumped into each other on the street.

Mr Lerry, who had just fallen out with his girlfriend, walked up to her and the two just started talking.

They began dating and got married a few years later at a register office on Copenhagen Street, which was attended by a few family members.

Mr Lerry said they had to get married at a register office because at that time they could not afford a church wedding.

Now, half-a-century later, the couple believes the recipe for a happy marriage is all down to giving and taking.

"If he wanted to go anywhere I would not stop him," said Mrs Lerry. "He would not stop me from going anywhere either."

The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at a surprise party last Friday at the indoor bowling centre in Perdiswell

Their four children, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren attended along with more than 80 friends.

Mr Lerry said he had a feeling something was happening when his son came to pick them up but did not know what exactly.