TRUST and tolerance are the secrets of a long and happy marriage, say a couple who are celebrating 50 years together.

Derek Potter, aged 74, and his wife Alice, aged 70, were soap cutters at Crosfields when they met.

Their first date was at Warrington's Ritz cinema - now Mr Smiths nightclub - where they saw Clark Gable star in the hit film Mogambo.

A year later, they married at Warrington Parish Church, where Alice wore a pale turquoise blue suit.

After living for 28 years on Lovely Lane, they moved to Winfrith Road, Fearnhead, where they have spent the past two decades.

Alice's smiling face attracted Derek and it was his sense of humour that Alice liked.

She said: "We just seemed to click."

However, it is mutual trust, understanding and tolerance that both cite as the reason for their marriage being so successful.

Alice said: "You just have to be tolerant of one another and have plenty of trust."

Derek added: "Being able to understand each other and work together to get over differences has been vital to our marriage."

The couple, who have two children and two grandchildren, held a party at Padgate Conservative Club on April 2.