The couple, of The Mount, Pontefract, tied the knot in Sheffield on April 9 1958 and will mark 50 years of marriage with friends and family at the nautical event at Shepley Bridge Marina, Mirfield, on Saturday.

Former social worker Brenda, 74, said: “I’m a trustee of the Safe Anchor Trust and Malcolm has been involved with Barnsley Dearne and Dove Canal Trust – you could say canals are a shared passion.

“At our party there will be canal boat rides and a buffet in the marina building.”

Former civil engineer Malcolm, also 74, moved his family to Pontefract in 1960 as he was working on the Brotherton bypass.

He and Brenda – who ran the Disabled Miners Centre on Halfpenny Lane and was a town magistrate – went on to have three children and now have six grandchildren.

Brenda also helped launch Pontefract Civic Society, holding the group’s first meeting in their home.

She added: “I sometimes wonder how we found the time to do everything.

“But we have always enjoyed it as it helps us keep in touch with friends and our minds active.”