A good roast dinner has helped keep George Bailey with his wife, Janet, for 50 years.

The couple, of Queens Rise, Ringwould, will celebrate their golden wedding today (Friday).

Mrs Bailey says the secret to a happy and secure marriage is give and take.

She said: “We’ve had a few ups and downs but I still love him today as I did the day I married him. I think it’s give and take in everything. When things go wrong, you work it out.”

Former Tilmanstone Colliery miner Mr Bailey thinks it’s his wife’s cooking which has kept him happy. Her Sunday roast is still his favourite.

The two were married by the Rev Pocock at Ringwould Church at 2pm on February 20, 1965.

Janet was nearly 17 and George was 28.

Janet, a former midday supervisor at Kingsdown Primary School, borrowed her cousin’s dress and carried freesias in her bouquet.

Her best friend, Elaine Wills, was her only bridesmaid. They enjoyed a reception at Ringwould village hall with about 60 guests and had a cake made by a friend.

The couple have one son, Brian, daughter-in-law, Sharon and two granddaughters, Deanna and Brydie.

They will celebrate with a meal at the Sir Norman Wisdom in Queen Street, Deal, with family and friends.