NOT a hint of doubt creeps into Douglas Mills' mind when he looks back on his marriage of 50 years and proclaims "I would recommend this to anybody".He and Virginia are perfect examples of the happiness of long marriage and to celebrate, their 50-year union was blessed in Chelmondiston Church on Saturday > by vicar David Newton, who cut short a trip to Russia especially for the occasion.

NOT a hint of doubt creeps into Douglas Mills' mind when he looks back on his marriage of 50 years and proclaims "I would recommend this to anybody".

He and Virginia are perfect examples of the happiness of long marriage and to celebrate, their 50-year union was blessed in Chelmondiston Church on Saturday > by vicar David Newton, who cut short a trip to Russia especially for the occasion.

From their very first meeting as dancing partners in a formation team at the Arlington Ballroom, Mr and Mrs Mills knew they were right for each other.

On June 7, 1952 at St Mary of Stoke Church, in Ancaster Road, that fact was confirmed when they wed.

At the time Mr Mills, 70, was in the RAF but he later left, first to work for Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, and then in a distribution warehouse for a Peterborough company.

Meanwhile Mrs Mills, 71, worked for Cowles furnishing company before they started their family.

The couple, who were born and bred in Ipswich and now live in Woodlands, Chelmondiston, have three daughters, four grandsons and one granddaughter. They all helped them celebrate at their golden wedding party in the village hall, after their marriage blessing.

Two of the couple's bridesmaids and Mr Mills' best man were also due at the party, which very nearly did not go ahead.

Mr Mills suffered a heart attack and only came out of hospital last Tuesday > but although he is still not completely mobile again he is determined to celebrate his anniversary.

"I would recommend it and I honestly wouldn't change a thing," he said of his marriage to Virginia. "We've been extremely happy and it's the best thing.

"It's a long time but the days go by very quickly and they've been most enjoyable."

As to the secret of their long lasting matrimony, Mrs Mills added: "I think you have to be very tolerant some times and of course you have to love your partner.

"Everybody has their ups and downs but you just have to get over it. If you really love your partner you will."