THEIR two hearts are beating as one and have been ever since they met across the dance floor of a York music hall.

Jack and Ida Gates met in 1948 in Albany Dance Hall in Goodramgate and after 50 years of marriage, both say they have never needed to look at anybody else since.

Miraculously both have survived severe heart problems, but Ida, 72, said: "Our two hearts are beating as one. That keeps us well and happy."

The couple ran the family business, J Gates and Son, in Wigginton, until they retired, so are well-known faces around the village.

Married at St Edward the Confessor church in Dringhouses, the couple have a son and daughter who both live in Australia.

Jack was featured on the front page of the Evening Press in June 1997 after he was described as a "miracle man" by doctors in Australia when he "died" in the sea and was brought back to life by an off-duty police sergeant and lifeguards.

This incident was followed by a heart bypass, and Jack now has a mini-defibrillator implanted in his shoulder to restart his heart if it stops.

And Ida herself has just come out of York District Hospital following heart tests and news that she too needs heart surgery in the near future.

Despite this the couple said they are healthy and happy at the moment and are looking forward to their Diamond Wedding anniversary.

Ida said: "I just think of him as my bionic man and he's lovely with it. My life didn't start until I met Jack and we've had a very happy marriage."

Their children are travelling from Australia to help them celebrate their golden wedding anniversary with many local people.

Updated: 08:45 Tuesday, March 27, 2001