A couple from Kings Langley who were set up on a blind date by their parents 50 years ago, have celebrated their golden anniversary.

Ted and Brenda Hayes, of Harthall Lane, met in June 1959, after Ted’s mother, Sophie Hayes, set the pair up.

They celebrated their golden anniversary yesterday with their family in Somerset.

Mrs Hayes, 71, a former forklift truck operator, said: “At the time I was working alongside Ted’s mother at Dring’s Sausage factory.

“She was always talking about her son and trying to get us together.

“I happened to mention that I wanted to go to the Moscow State Circus in Wembley and she told me that they had tickets.

“I went along and met Ted and well, the rest is history.”

According to Mr Hayes, his mother did not have tickets for the circus, but was so keen for her son to date Brenda, she bought them especially.

Mr Hayes, 75, a former engineer and motorcycle enthusiast, said: “It was love at first sight when I saw Brenda.

"It was quite funny having my mum and dad there on the date.

“After that date I wanted to see her again and again, so the next time we went out it was to the dog track.

“Sometimes I think to myself how quickly the time has gone, 50 years is a long time, but it has just flown by.”

Following their successful first date in 1959, Mr and Mrs Hayes, became engaged in July and were married in October the same year. They are now proud parents of two and grandparents of five.

Retired Mrs Hayes, said: “We’re all set to mark our 50 years together next Saturday with a dinner at The Clarendon.

“We’ve invited 40 of our closest family and friends to help us celebrate this landmark occasion.

“I can’t believe we’ve been together for this long.

“We’ve moved up and down the country over the years, but we’ve always stuck together.”