Laughter has been the best medicine for a Keighley couple for the past 54 years.

Valerie and Gordon Thompson celebrated their golden wedding this week with a visit to their favourite hotel in St Anne’s.

They attribute the success of their 50 years of marriage to their ability to make each other laugh.

Valerie said: “Gordon is so dry and quick-witted, he can make me laugh even before I get up in the morning."

The pair met in 1958 while studying separate courses at Keighley Technical College's night school, and married in 1962.

Valerie became secretary to the technical manager at Keighley engineering firm Prince Smith and Stells.

Before retirement Valerie spent 17 years with social services in Keighley Town Hall, and Gordon worked at Ohmeda in Steeton before it closed.

The couple's main hobbies have been travelling and cruising around the world.

Valerie and Gordon have two sons, Darren who lives in Baildon and Craig who lives in Oldfield, and they also have a granddaughter Emily.