An evening stroll had momentous consequences for a Ryedale couple who celebrate 50 years of marriage today.

For about three years after they met while out walking at Thornton-le-Dale, Douglas and Lillian Ward were married at the village's All Saints' Church.

The couple were having a party to celebrate their golden wedding, but most of the details were being kept a secret.

But they did know that the best man at their wedding, Mr Ward's brother Fred, and two of their bridesmaids, Mrs Ward's cousin Hilda Wood and Mr Ward's sister Elsie Grayson, were joining them.

Born at Hackness near Scarborough, Mr Ward, 78, had moved to Thornton-le-Dale with his family and was working on a nearby farm when he met his future wife.

Mrs Ward, 72, was from Thornton-le-Dale, and was working at a local flour mill when they first met.

In 1953 the couple moved to Brook Farm at Burythorpe, where they had cows and a milk-round. Later they had a pedigree flock of Suffolk sheep, and travelled around the county showing and judging.

Mr Ward said he had won every prize at the Great Yorkshire Show with his fat lambs, except that of reserve champion. The couple worked together on the farm and were heavily involved in the local community at Burythorpe. They retired six years ago and moved to their present home in Beechwood Road, Norton.

Mr Ward said the secret of the success of their marriage was "pulling together". They have two sons and a daughter and three grandchildren.

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