A HAPPY York couple have celebrated 50 golden years together.

Geoff and Pam Fawcett, of Holgate, were married on September 13, 1952.

They tied the knot in St Maurice's Church, which used to be opposite Bulmers in Lord Mayor's Walk, but has since been demolished.

The couple first met as pupils at Tang Hall School, but did not see each other for ten years after leaving at the age of 14.

But in 1951 Geoff, now 75, fell ill with a neck problem after a trip to the cinema, and was ordered to take bed rest. To ease the boredom Geoff's sister joined the library on his behalf, and when he had recovered he started to visit it regularly.

Pam, also now 75, was working there as a librarian, and the couple soon began courting.

Geoff, who served in the Second World War as a naval stoker mechanic, laughed: "I have always said she is the after-effect of a stiff neck."

After their wedding the couple set up home in Bootham Terrace.

Pam continued to work in the library, while Geoff worked at the Rowntree power plant for 50 years.

"I wouldn't mind if I had that fifty years again," he said.

The couple moved into their current home in Barbara Grove, Holgate, 37 years ago.

They have two sons, Paul and Alan, and seven grandchildren.

Asked what is the secret of a long and happy marriage, Geoff said: "You've got to work well together. Share things, share work and pleasure, and you won't go far wrong."

Updated: 09:55 Saturday, September 14, 2002