DAVID and Elizabeth Bett Chellew have built more than a solid foundation in Stotfold since marrying. They set up home there after meeting at a dance in the Hermitage Hall, Hitchin, and getting hitched at Biggleswade Register Office on July 14, 1956. Alt

DAVID and Elizabeth 'Bett' Chellew have built more than a solid foundation in Stotfold since marrying.

They set up home there after meeting at a dance in the Hermitage Hall, Hitchin, and getting hitched at Biggleswade Register Office on July 14, 1956.

Although he likes to be known as a "retired bricklayer", modest Dave is in fact responsible for many of the houses in Stotfold and surrounding areas through his business DT Chellew & Son Builders.

The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party for 200 people at the Chequers in Stotfold on Saturday.

Their four children, Karen, Helen, Mandy and David Jnr, plus grandchildren, extended family and their many friends celebrated with a hog roast and enjoyed music from a jazz band.

Daughter Karen, her husband Ray and their two daughters flew in from Colorado Springs, USA, to join in the celebrations.

But the majority of guests were very much local. Dave - a long time season ticket holder at Luton Town - is well known through his connections with Stotfold Football Club, as player and president at the Roker Park club.

Son Dave also played for the club for many years and now grandson Oliver is keeping the tradition alive, playing for the juniors.