GOLDEN couple Arthur and Helen Carey are celebrating 50 years of married life today.

They met at a garden party in Haxby organised by the local Methodist church.

Arthur, now 74, had returned to his native Haxby on de-mob leave, and Helen, now 71, had moved to the area with her parents.

They were married two years later at Haxby Methodist Church on June 2, 1951.

Arthur worked at the local garage for many years until it closed and then took up a position at Hawkhills, near Easingwold.

Meanwhile, Helen worked with disabled people as a craft and activities officer for social services.

These days the couple, who still live in Haxby, enjoy taking holidays and gardening, and have a strong interest in the RSPB.

Arthur and Helen have three children, Robin, Sheila and David, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Said Helen: "The time seems to have gone very quickly. It's all about give and take, really, and always being there for each other."

Updated: 12:55 Saturday, June 02, 2001