IT was just like old times when we rolled up to take this picture of golden wedding couple Peter and Joan Davies.

For back in 1964 we sent the newlyweds on their honeymoon to Jersey after they tied the knot at Chew Moor Methodist Church in Lostock.

We were there then to share their joy, and we are there again now — 50 years later.

Former hairdresser Mrs Davies entered the then Bolton Evening News competition before she and her 73-year-old husband were married.

After answering a series of questions about what made the perfect wedding and marriage, the Davies couple came up trumps and off they went to Jersey, free of charge.

And it was the beginning of a long and happy journey for Mr and Mrs Davies, who settled down to live all their married life in Chew Moor village.

The couple met after Joan was employed as a hairdressing apprentice at Sheila’s salon in Wigan Road, Deane.

The owner, Sheila Worthington’s husband Peter, had a young Norweb electricity fitter apprentice called John under his wing, and love blossomed when the young couple were introduced.

“We had a terrific time on our honeymoon,” said Mrs Davies. “Jersey is a wonderful place and it was a lovely time to go.

“We’ve never forgotten how lucky we were to win that BEN competition all those years ago.”

The couple, who have a son John, and three grandchildren, are planning a small celebration to mark the anniversary on March 25 and Mrs Davies, aged 70, has asked family and friends to make a donation to Bolton Hospice where she has worked as a volunteer.