BERT Holloway, of Taunton, first clapped eyes on his future wife as she left a fish and chip shop.

Bert, 69, and Jean, 73, celebrated their golden wedding on March 16 and say a lot more give than take is the secret to a long lasting marriage.

But Bert was on the scrounge when he saw Jean leave a chippie many years ago and yelled out to ask if he could have a chip.

The couple were later married at Temple Methodist Church in Taunton.

Bert was a bricklayer, working for many firms around Taunton, and did national service in Malaysia with the Army. He is still keen on odd jobs around the house and gardening.

Jean was a housewife and mum and brought up the couple's two boys and three girls. They now also have nine grandchildren. Jean is a bingo fanatic and enjoys socialising.

They celebrated the golden milestone with a party at Taunton Town FC's Peacock Club.