FROM the moment Alan Norman met his future bride-to-be Jean, he has been a big believer in fate.

The couple, of Ripley Street, Bewsey, first set eyes on each other during a surprise meeting when Jean was 17 and Alan was 20.

Dad-of-four Alan said he would never forget the moment he first met the love of his life.

The 82-year-old said: "I went to school with Jean's brother George

"He was playing rugby and I wanted to go to labour club but he had just come out of the army so he did not have any money so I gave him £1.

"It was the best £1 I ever spent as that was the night I met Jean."

Six months later, Alan persuaded George that he was one for Jean and their love started to blossom.

After 12 months the couple became engaged and were married at St Mark's Church in Dallam on July 28, 1956, before hosting the evening reception at Carter's Cafe on Bridge Street in the town centre.

The couple have four children, Pamela Heald, 59, Anita Taylor, 57, William Norman 53, and Peter Norman, 46, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

Many people often refer to the loved-up couple as Mr and Mrs Christmas after spending 50 years surprising children in the area with gifts on Christmas Eve.

"It was Jean's idea. She made the outfit as I was only a young man," he added

"It was brilliant to see the kids and parents' faces light up.

"People come up to me now and they are 60 years of age and they remember me as Mr Christmas."

When asked to share the secret to a long and happy marriage, Alan said life is all about working together.

"If one of us is stuck we help the other out. That's the way it should be," said Alan.

“We have always been there for each other which is what’s important,” added Jean, 79.

The couple are looking forward to celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary next month at Roosters on Old Liverpool Road surrounded by loved ones.