IT was love at first sight for John Morris when he spotted Jean during a dance at the maintenance unit club in Hartlebury.

Fifty years later, the happy couple are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary today with family and friends - proving you can live and work together.

The couple, from Pitchcroft Boating Station, Waterworks Road, married at Hallow Church on July 19, 1952.

"We had our reception at the Berkeley Arms and enjoyed a brilliantly sunny honeymoon in Cornwall," said 74-year-old Mr Morris.

"When I met John at the dance he said he was going to marry me and I couldn't seem to shake him off," said Mrs Morris.

The couple have three daughters, Lorna, Jacqui and Jillian, and two grandchildren, Scarlett and Louis.

Artistic Mrs Morris worked at Royal Worcester Porcelain modelling flowers and Mr Morris worked at the Metal Box factory.

"My wife is very talented and still enjoys painting with watercolours," said Mr Morris.

The couple then went on to run Pitchcroft Boating Station, which deals with hiring and repairs.

"Two years after getting married we took on the business, which has existed since 1910, and during that time met some really interesting people," he said.

"This just shows you can live and work together and I think that keeping active keeps you young.

"When we are not working we enjoy travelling abroad and love going to Tenerife to escape the winter weather."

The secret of such a long happy marriage? "I think it's just wanting to be together," said Mr Morris. "I knew my intentions when I met her at the dance that night!

"I don't think we have changed very much through the years, but I don't appear to be the boss any more."

The couple will be spending a few weeks in Wales after enjoying their party.