childhood sweethearts Sylvia and Peter Ashton danced into each other's arms more than half a century ago - and have stayed together ever since.

The York pair met at an Alma Terrace dance when they were both 15-years-old, and tied the knot two days after Sylvia's 19th birthday at St Laurence's Church, Lawrence Street.

After only seven weeks of married life, Peter was posted to Egypt with the Royal Air Force.

"It was difficult when I went overseas," he admitted.

When he returned, the couple bought a bungalow in Osbaldwick - with a deposit of £75 to start them on the property ladder. Sylvia, a former process worker at Terry's and then Rowntree's chocolate factories, said they had always stayed in and around York.

She said the secret of 50 happy years had been team work.

"We just hit it off straight away, I think," she said. "You have to be honest with each other, and give and take, it's all about working together." Sylvia and Peter plan to have a family meal with their daughters, Beverley and Amanda, sons-in-law, three grandchildren and one great grandson to celebrate the golden milestone tomorrow.

Updated: 08:36 Friday, July 18, 2003