A CHANCE meeting while on a bike ride led to a 50-year romance.

Rose and John Stokes, of Bretton, marked their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, April 4.

The couple first met at Beeston Station while out cycling and went on their first date to Tarporley fairground.

Talking about the success of their long marriage Rose said: “You’ve just got to talk about things together and be open with each other.”

They married at Bunbury Church and lived in their refurbished first home in Spurstow for about nine years.

Mr and Mrs Stokes moved to their Bretton Hall home in 1967 and have lived there ever since.

John, 71, used to drive a tractor at Ridley Hill Farm while Rose, 72, was a mother’s helper, looking after children.

The couple have two children, Verity, 45, and Christopher, 42, and two grandchildren, Charlie, 16, and Annaliese, 11.

Rose is one of eight childrenand hopes to be surrounded by them and the rest of the family at a golden wedding anniversary celebration on Saturday.

She said: “My father always said to us to keep in touch so we always make the effort to meet up on special occasions such as this.”