Off-screen love at the cinema

Lillian and Patrick Long began dating after they met at the former Gaumont cinema.

The couple used to go for drives in Mr Long's prized possession, his two-seater MG sports car, until he sold it to pay for their wedding.

Mrs Long, aged 72, began working as an usherette at the Gaumont and had been promotedto be the boss's secretary when she met her future husband, who was a projectionist.

"I thought he was smashing and, of course, the car helped!" said Mrs Long.

"Patrick sold the car so that we could use the money to get married as there was not a lot of cash around in those days."

The couple were married on a hot Saturday in 1952 at St Mary's Church, in Worcester's Sansome Street after an 18-months engagement.

"We went on our honeymoon to Devon for a week and the weather was perfect. There was not a cloud in the sky," said 76-year-old Mr Long.

"I ran the first Saturday morning club for the children's programmes at the Gaumont and was known as Uncle Ernie.

"The secret recipe of for a successful marriage is understanding each other and sharing."

The couple lived at Mrs Long's parents' house in Chestnut Walk, the Arboretum, Worcester, before moving to St Michael's Road, Cornmeadow, in 1953, then to Dolphin Close, St John's, where they have lived since 1981.

Mrs Long, who was born in Yorkshire and moved to Sidbury, Worcester, with her parents at the age of eight, gave birth to her daughter Sally-Ann a year after she married. The couple also have a son, Simon.

Mr Long worked as a projectionist at the Gaumont for 34 years and was awarded a personal service badge by his employers.

Born at Callow End the son of a farmer, he then became self-employed in the electrical and plumbing field.

After raising her children, Mrs Long worked in the old Newtown Hospital before retiring at the age of 65.

The couple, who have five grandchildren, will be celebrating their anniversary by having a quiet meal with their family.