TWO couples who married at the same church on the same day 50 years ago are celebrating their golden weddings today (Thursday).

Bill and Marion Douthwaite, and Tony and Margaret Hesmondhalgh, who all live in Heversham, tied the knot at Holy Trinity Church, Kendal, on Thursday, July 27, 1967, at 11am and 1.30pm respectively.

The couples chose their dates independently, and they told the Gazette that after arranging to share the flowers for their weddings - and then both setting up home in Heversham village - they became close friends.

They plan to toast their century of marriage with a lunch at the Grange Hotel, followed by drinks and cake with friends after church on Sunday. They are also to embark on a Mediterranean cruise in October.

Between them the couples have six children and 11 grandchildren.