THE secret to a long and happy relationship is always knowing when to say sorry, according to a couple who are celebrating 50 years of marriage this month.

Mavis and Gordon Miller, both aged 71, of Gresley Avenue, Horwich, will clock up half a century of years together on Monday, and the key to their long-lasting relationship has been agreeing not to disagree.

Mavis said: "We've found that if one of us has had an argument with the other, the best thing to say is sorry. It's all about give and take."

The couple, who have seven children, 23 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, were married in St Peter's Church, Smithills, in 1952. The couple lived and worked at Slack Hall Farm, Smithills, until their retirement. They met at a farming dance when they were 16, when Mavis lived at Slack Hall Farm in Smithills and Gordon worked on a farm in Belmont.

They will be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary with a holiday in Devon.