A MEETING at a youth social club after evensong led to 50 years of happy marriage for a couple who have always been involved in church life.

Graham and Sandra Ashcroft, from Agatha Gardens, Fernhill Heath, will be marking their golden wedding anniversary today .

The couple met while Mrs Ashcroft was a Sunday school teacher and Mr Ashcroft was a member of the choir at St Andrew’s Church in Dearnley, Littleborough, Lancashire, and after a short courtship were married at the church.

Mr Ashcroft was working for Ferranti, an electrical engineering and equipment firm, while Mrs Ashcroft worked for the NHS in doctor registration.

In 1965, Mr Ashcroft joined an insurance company as an electrical engineer and they moved to Oxford where Sandra worked in the county council’s Land Registry department.

After their daughters Janet and Vanessa went to school, Sandra worked for Marks and Spencer.

Mr and Mrs Ashcroft, aged 74 and 70 respectively, moved back to the north in 1991 and finally came to Fernhill Heath in April 2000, worshipping at Claines Church.

The couple said every move had come with an involvement in church life and at Claines Mrs Ashcroft is a part of the Parochial Church Council while Mr Ashcroft is the Gift Aid secretary.

Moving to Fernhill Heath has allowed the couple to be more hands-on with their granddaughters Helena and Imogen.

Mr Ashcroft said the church had played a big part in the longevity of their marriage but also added: “You have to have understanding, patience and love to help the marriage survive.”

The couple, who also share a birthday on September 7, added: “For us to celebrate our golden wedding with so many lovely people, family and friends will be a very special occasion for us both.”