A RIBBLE Valley couple are celebrating 50 years of marriage - a union that started with a dance.

Edwin and Joyce Jackson, of Pendle Avenue, Chatburn, will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary with a party at the Calf's Head in Worston and are expecting more than 60 of their family and friends to join them.

The couple first met at a dance and after two years of courting they decided to marry.

Their wedding took place at Trinity Methodist Church in Clitheroe on March 1, 1950 and was followed by a honeymoon in Blackpool.

Mr Jackson, 74, who was born and brought up in Downham, was a motor engineer and after seven years training, he set up his own haulage business, E Jackson Transport of Chatburn Ltd.

He started the business with £100 more than 48 years ago and built his first haulage vehicle in his garage from spare parts.

The business expanded and was moved to the Pendle Trading Estate. Mrs Jackson, 68, was a secretary in a solicitors' office and later because company secretary at E Jackson Transport.

Mr Jackson is still the chairman of the firm, now based at the Salthill Industrial Estate, but the couple's son, Alan, has taken over as managing director and daughter, Anne Barratt, is company secretary.

Despite the family business being a major part of their lives, the couple have enjoyed cruising and they have taken in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

One of their favourite destinations was Norway, which they visited last year.

Mrs Jackson also loves gardening and they enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren Charlotte, Elizabeth and James.

Mrs Jackson said that their secret to a long and happy marriage is: "Life's had its ups and downs, but we have a supportive family. And we've never really fallen out."

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