CRUISING slowly towards one of the world's most romantic spots, city lights twinkling in the canals, Charlie and Kate Page celebrated their golden anniversary in style.

CRUISING slowly towards one of the world's most romantic spots, city lights twinkling in the canals, Charlie and Kate Page celebrated their golden anniversary in style.

The pair marked 50 years of marriage by enjoying a once in a lifetime trip aboard the Grand Princess to Italy and the Greek Islands for two weeks, and followed this last Saturday, with a family meal.

Last weekend the celebrations were held at Sprowston Manor and marked the day of the anniversary, but the couple wanted to make sure they could enjoy fine weather so it was last autumn they set off on their special holiday.

Kate, 67, said that they didn't want a huge party on the day but described the September trip as “marvellous” and something she would always remember.

She said: “It was our special treat, as we had never been on a cruise before and I haven't stopped talking about it since I got back.”

But if the couple, who live in Potter Heigham, wanted to keep things low key this week they hadn't reckoned on their daughter Annette.

Kate added: “It was lovely. I went out on Tuesday and it was my daughter's day off from work and when I came back she had put banners and decorations up all over the house.”

Charlie, 77, first met his soon-to-be wife at Beach Road, Hemsby when out on his motorbike, and within a year the couple had, against Kate's mother's advice, got married at Runham Church.

Since then they have barely been apart, with Charlie working at Stalham Farms for 41 years and Kate having worked most recently at Pontins in Hemsby before retirement.

He said: “We've had some ups and downs but it's been brilliant and she has always been there for me.”