Bells were ringing out today to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of Clifford and Phyllis East.

The couple, of Five Bells Farm, Ludgershall, near Bicester, are both bell ringers, and to mark their special day, on May 16, players performed at the village church in their honour.

Mr East, 80, started bell ringing before the Second World War.

Campanology has become a family affair -- Mrs East, 72, took it up almost 30 years ago, and both daughters Janet Haseldine and Valerie Evans, Janet's husband Richard and their two sons all play.

The couple met properly on an organised trip to play the card game Whist, but had known each other for several years before.

Mrs East said: "We often used to go on the same bus. Eventually he asked me to the theatre."

They were married in 1953.

Mr East, who was in the Home Guard during the war, still works the cattle and sheep farm, while Mrs East does the book-keeping.

The couple, who have four grandchildren, reckon the secret of a good marriage is working together.