A Rugby couple who met by chance through friends have just celebrated 50 golden years of marriage.

Andy and Val Watts, who first laid eyes on each other at a house in Bridget Street in 1973, enjoyed a party with family and friends to mark the special occasion.

That chance encounter at Val’s cousin’s home led to a happy courtship and the two decided to make it official.

They married at St Peter’s Church, Clifton Road, Rugby on October 16, 1976 and had two children. Their son Mark, 47, is married to Leanne, and daughter Laura, 40, is married to Mat.

Andy and Val on their wedding day in Rugby. Right: Celebrating 50 years of happy marriage.

placeholder image — Andy and Val on their wedding day in Rugby. Right: Celebrating 50 years of happy marriage.

They said their time together has been an “amazing journey”.

Andy and Val, both 69, agreed: “Our secret to a long marriage is always being there for each other and enjoying life and family to the full.”

The golden couple enjoy spending time together and with their family. They have four grandchildren – Connor, 18, Scott, 15, Elliott, seven and Florence, four.