MICHAEL and Ann Dugard have had "thousands of arguments" during 50 years of marriage.
But the happy couple, pictured below, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on March 30, insist they would not have it any other way.
"Anybody who tells you they have been married 50 years and haven't had an argument are liars", said Michael, 71.
"We've had thousands of arguments, otherwise we would have had a boring life. We are still together and we are happy."
Echoing his sentiments, Ann says she has absolutely "no complaints" about the life they have shared since tying the knot at St Mark's Church on Laceby Road, Grimsby all those years ago.
The couple first met at the White Hart Pub in Grimsby. Ann was approached by Michael and the pair ended up going to the Gaiety together. They immediately hit it off and were married within 18 months.
After leaving school at 15, Michael went to work as a machinist at Dixon's Paper Mill. He was still there when it closed 16 years later, and moved on to Findus and then Bluecrest, before retiring at the age of 64.
Ann worked at the Cordage Ropery Factory, in Ropery Street, for seven years before she and Michael were married.
The couple have five children – Shane, Kevin, Joanne, Karen and the late Elaine.
They also have eight grandchildren.
Michael and Ann, who have enjoyed holidays all over the world, lived in Rutland Street, Grimsby for 25 years before moving to their current home on Ennerdale Close, in Humberston.
Aside from arguing, Michael joked that the secret of their long and happy marriage was give and take, adding: "I give, she takes!"
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