“Even after 50 years together, when Mike comes towards me now and I’m not expecting it, I still get a little quiver.”

The words of Sheila Dolan as she gets ready to celebrate a golden wedding anniversary with her childhood sweetheart on Saturday.

She first spotted husband Mike as a nine-year-old, playing football with other children next to his home on West Avenue, Orford.

They started going out aged 16, and Sheila, aged 69, of Wedgewood Drive, Latchford, said: “We didn’t tell our parents but we used to go and meet other couples in the Vulcan pub on Dallam Lane.

“He would take me to the pictures and dancing at Bell Hall.

“It’s been a rollercoaster ride but we’re still like two teenagers.”

The couple got married on December 28 1963, with a reception at the Hill Cliffe Hydro Hotel in Appleton where 40 guests sat down to a roast dinner.

A honeymoon in Blackpool followed, costing £12.

They will celebrate 50 years together with a party at Rylands Recreation Club, Gorsey Lane.

Having their own interests has been key to a happy union for the lovebirds, who have three children and nine grandchildren.

Mike, aged 72, still works and is a keen golfer, while Sheila plays the ukelele and loves to bake, normally whipping up 80 eccles cakes a week.

“I don’t like it when you hear people say it’s all about give and take,” she said.

“We believe you should have lots of hobbies so you don’t have to be around each other all of the time.

“I’m not saying we don’t have rows, but we’re good in each other’s company.

“We are childhood sweethearts and there’s never been anyone else for me.

“We love each other very much.”