A COUPLE who fled oppression in Kenya to make their home in England are celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Indian-born Khuhalbhai and Hiraben Mistry grew up in Narobi, Kenya, and wed there in an arranged marriage in 1959.

Nine years later they moved to the UK and shortly afterwards settled in Ashton.

The couple, who have four children and six grandchildren, both worked for various cotton mills in the area including Ashton Bros in Hyde.

Now retired, Mr Mistry, 72, and Mrs Mistry, 68, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a party for more than 100 family and friends at Hurst Community Centre in Ashton.

They said the secret to a happy marriage was ‘friendship, communication and seeking what is best for one another.’