A PAIR of young ambulance volunteers who met in York more than half-a-century ago were today celebrating 50 golden years together.

Sheila and Derek Brown, of Orchard Way, York, met in 1952 when both were working as volunteers for the St John Ambulance Service. At the time, Sheila was 17 and Derek 21.

Sheila, now 71, said: "When we were on duty, I kept seeing this handsome boy,"

"Our interests were always so compatible. We were both very interested in the St John Ambulance."

The pair married three years later in Acomb. Derek worked as a coach builder for British Rail, and Sheila worked for many years as a doctor's receptionist in the city.

According to the couple, a spirit of tolerance was the key to a long and happy marriage.

Sheila said: "You have your ups and downs, but you just get on with it when things go wrong."

The Browns were celebrating their golden wedding with daughters, Christine and Karen, and their families.

Updated: 09:56 Saturday, February 12, 2005