PERSEVERANCE and team work are the key ingredients to a successful marriage, say a Wingfield couple who have just celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

John Green, 77, and his wife Pauline, 69, were married on August 3, 1968, at St Michael & All Angels’ Church in Hilperton and 50 years on they are still happily married.

The couple, who have lived at their house in Magdalene Lane, Wingfield, for half a century, celebrated the milestone with a party in their garden and were joined by friends and family for an afternoon tea.

“It was a day to remember for us both. It was lovely to have our friends and family come out for our 50th wedding anniversary,” said Mr Green.

The two met when they were bellringing at the Hilperton Church back in 1965.

In 1965, Mr Green featured in the Wiltshire Times after being chosen to lead an expedition to a volcanic island in the Caribbean, Saint Vincent.

Mr Green, whose background was in building surveying and architecture, was tasked with leading the way to build a milk pasteurisation unit on the island.

When he returned home from his eight week expedition, the couple continued dating before getting married in the church they were so very fond of in 1968.

Mrs Green, who worked as a matron over the years, gave birth to two children - Thomas in 1970 and Katy in 1974.

Mr Green’s parents also adopted a boy called Peter and at the age of 16 he stayed with the family as well.

So why are the couple so successful together?

“Having perseverance is key - it really is a team effort too,” said Mr Green.

“Time has really flown by. It is strange to think about it really. 50 years is a long period of time. I don’t think we have changed much over the years.”

They have six grandchildren.