It might not have been the most romantic of settings.

But Ron and Doreen Bates’ relationship blossomed on a bus - and half a century later they’re still going strong.

The golden couple are due to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, having met in 1957 on a work outing to Brighton.

Ron, 78, who worked on the shop floor of Brentford print works, Buckley Press, sat next to Doreen, 77, who worked in the company’s office, on the coach and the pair got chatting.

After two years of courting the couple married at St Mary’s Church in Twickenham and held their reception at the old Albany Hotel in Station Road.

They settled in Twickenham, where Mrs Bates’ father ran the grocers, Sewell Stores, in Lion Road, which closed in 1969.

Mr Bates said: “We’re good mates.

“We might have an argument now and again but it will be one that lasts half an hour not days.”

Mr Bates thanked his wife for introducing him to his hobby of cactus collecting.

He has since held many talks on the prickly plants in the area as secretary, and previously chairman, of the Kingston branch of the British Cactus and Succulent Society.

“Doreen introduced them to me,” he said.

“I’ve been growing them for 50 years. The garden’s got a bit neglected.”

Mr and Mrs Bates, of Lincoln Avenue, Twickenham, who have one son, plan to mark their golden wedding anniversary by attending a service this weekend at the church where they married.

A reception is also being held the following weekend by the couple’s neighbour, Claire Adams.

Mr Bates said: “The neighbours are wonderful to us. All the neighbours get on well together.”

Mrs Adams added: “They’re such a lovely couple that we thought we’d give them an anniversary do.

“They’re the sort of people you want in your road.”

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