Dodington Parish Council's Vice Chairwoman Christine Howard and her husband John have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

In 1967 John and Christine met when working with each other at G K & Sankey in Bilston, John as a printer and Christine as an administrator.

After their marriage the following year, they moved to Chipping Sodbury Birds Estate 39 years ago.

Christine worked for Hansons for a number of years as an Office Manager and also as National Sports and Social Club Secretary.

During her time at Hanson and afterwards she took employees all over the world as a Group Travel Organiser her most adventurous trip was 16 days in China with 48 employees.

She even took pensioner’s away twice a year.

Although she has stopped working as an Office Manager 19 years ago, she continued working as Social Club Secretary up until three months ago.

Christine is also a Clerk to Dyrham and Hinton Parish Council, the job she has been doing for 17 years.

John worked for Creda in Yate as an engineering inspector, after being made redundant he was porter at Blackberry Hill for a few years.

When the business closed he then worked for Hanson Aggregates until his retirement.

Christine and John have one son, John, and three adopted girls Emma, Lucie and Lorri.

Christine joined Dodington Parish Council in January 2007 and has worked tirelessly on behalf the local community ever since.

Whilst serving the council she was the Chairwoman for three years from 2013 to 2016.

At the moment, as well as her Vice Chair role she is also Chair of the Planning Committee.

She is also a Trustee for South Glos Youth Housing, a volunteer at Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre and the Blue Cross charity shop.

Since his retirement John enjoys gardening, photography, reading and he has recently joined a Historical Society. He also enjoys walking their dog Tilly.

John has now given his top tip as to how a long and happy marriage lasts, saying: "I just do what I am told."

He did go on to clarify this, admitting that the support they give each other is really the most important ingredient.

"The most important thing is supporting each other through happy and difficult times and in doing things that they both love."

The couple were presented with flowers and congratulations at the full Dodington Parish Council meeting late last month.