A MISMATCHED date marked the start of lasting love for one golden couple, who will celebrate 50 years of marriage today.

Heather Summerton met her husband-to-be, Bill, at a tea party, where one of her friends had arranged a blind date with another suitor.

Bill had always had his eye on Heather, a hairdresser and was thrilled when she decided that he was the one for her.

"Every day I waited outside to see her go by to catch the bus to work," said the 71-year-old, of Bilford Road, Claines, near Worcester

A short time after they started their relationship, Bill became a driver and mechanic with the Royal Airforce and they only saw one another at weekends.

For three years they kept their love alive with letters.

"I missed her a lot," he said.

"To be in the forces was rather mundane and dull so a letter from your girlfriend brightened up the week and made it go quicker."

After Bill was de-mobbed in 1955, the couple, originally from Pershore, married in the town's Abbey.

Bill returned to work as a butcher. They had two children - Paul who is now 49, and Sue, 46.

Heather said that the secret of their successful marriage was honesty.

"We've got no secrets at all," said the 69-year-old.

"He is also caring and has got a good sense of humour,"

The couple said that they enjoy simple pleasures and are happiest in one another's company.

They enjoy gardening and spending time with their grandchildren Lucy, aged two, 10-year-old Aled and James, 14.