Megan and Norman Oliver, of Rymill Road, St Leonards, and Shirley and John Phipps, of Hollington Old Lane, married in a double wedding ceremony 50 years ago.

They decided to invite guests to give donations to the Stroke Association rather than giving presents at a celebration at the Manor Barn in Bexhill, in which more than 100 people attended.

Norman's son-in-law recently raised at least £3,000 for the charity by doing a vintage motorcycle ride from John O'Groats in Scotland to Land's End.

Megan and Shirley, who are sisters, grew up in Hollington Old Lane and tied the knot in St John's Church on August 30 1958.

Norman, 71, ran his own carpet business under his name, and is still a keen triathlete, competing in various sports.

He and Megan met in the 1950s when Norman was working for Stuart Horsler Furniture in Silverhill.

Megan worked at Beechams typewriter shop in Havelock Road.

The couple have two daughters, Susan and Mandy, and two grandsons, James and Alex.

Norman said: "I have raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years for such organisations at St Michael's Hospice.

"We still have quite a lot of money to come for the Stroke Association."

His sister-in-law Shirley used to work in Stunt grocers in Old Church Road and her husband John is a retired postman.

They have two children, Paul and Jayne, and a granddaughter Krystina.

Norman said the secret to a long, happy and successful marriage was down to sharing.

He said: "Our characters were formed early in life and we learned to care and share everything as we were born into a life of rationing due to the war.

"We have always shared both the good times and the bad times."