FOR golden couple Gordon and Esme House it was a trip of a lifetime when they flew in a helicopter to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

They had only ever flown before in a prop engine aircraft on holiday to Jersey - and never in a commercial jet aircraft, let alone a helicopter.

But it very nearly didn't happen because it was originally planned for the couple from King's Somborne to take to the air in a Chinook on their actual anniversary on 26 January.

It had been arranged by one of their granddaughters who is training to be a navigator in the RAF, but it all fell through.

Esme, aged 69, also injured her back badly and was unable to walk for some time - but her family was not about to let things rest there.

The result was a stunning ride in a Bell helicopter owned by Fast Helicopters Ltd at Thruxton airfield on Saturday.

"It was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed it," said Gordon, who is aged 71.

The flight took them over Test Valley and circled their own home in Eldon Road several times.

Afterwards their family took them out for a slap up meal, which was their second anniversary celebration, having had a party on the actual anniversary back in January.

"We were both born and bred in King's Somborne but only met when she was 16 and I was 19," said Gordon.

Two-and-a-half years later they were married at a time when Gordon was employed locally as a farm worker.

He was later a centre lathe turner and retired as an internal postman at the Independent Broadcasting Authority in Crawley, near Winchester.

The couple have seven children, including the surprise birth of twins in 1963. Esme was fully engaged bringing up the family in their three-bedroom house.

She said: "But I also worked as a barmaid at the Working Men's Club in King's Somborne and was a school dinner lady."

They love King's Somborne and have never felt the need to move on. Gordon said: "It's a beautiful village.

"Everybody was so friendly when Esme was laid up with her back. Everybody came round to help out."

When asked the secret of a long and happy marriage, Gordon said: "Keeping your mouth shut." But he agreed with Esme that it is really down to 'give and take'.

Gordon enjoys working on his two allotments and Esme enjoys knitting, crocheting and jam making - while they both enjoy walking together.

As well as seven children they have 18 grandchildren, although as yet no great grandchildren.

"We are very grateful to the children we really are," said Gordon.

"You could not wish for a better family."