A COMMON interest in dancing brought together a couple who are celebrating their golden wedding today.

Arthur and Betty Whatt, of Wilberfoss, between York and Pocklington, met at a dance at an RAF base in the late 1940s.

Both originally from Hull, the couple married in the city's Corpus Christi Church in 1951 after Arthur had spent time in East Africa with the RAF.

The pair then moved to Lincolnshire, with Arthur working as a credit manager, before relocating to Cottingham, near Hull.

The couple, who moved to Wilberfoss five years ago, have two sons, Peter and John, and three grandchildren, Steven, Timothy and Matthew.

These days, Arthur and Betty, now 76 and 70 respectively, enjoy days out and being with their family.

Reflecting on 50 years of marriage, Betty said she could not believe how quickly the years had gone by.

And the secret to a long-lasting marriage? "I suppose you just work together, don't you. I remember how we used to go dancing - we always liked to dance."

Updated: 11:06 Saturday, June 30, 2001