A COUPLE whose romance came straight from the movies will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary today.

Maurice and Marjorie McAdam, both 81, from Bishop Auckland, met at the Cinema Rex in Shildon when they were 16.

Maurice worked as a film projectionist at the cinema and Marjorie's uncle owned the venue.

The couple got engaged on a trip to Blackpool in 1946, but their plans for a Christmas wedding were ruined when Mr McAdam was called up for national service.

He got only two days leave to marry his sweetheart at St Andrew's Church, in Bishop Auckland.

On returning to the North-East, he worked at Whessoe in Darlington for 25 years and then Cleveland Bridge, where he worked on the Thames Barrier, before retiring.

Mrs McAdam was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago, but was recently given the all-clear.

The couple have three children - Shirley, Keith and Barbara - and the whole family will celebrate at The Spotted Dog, in Gainford, today.

Mr McAdam said the secret of their marriage is "pulling together".

He added: "We've had our differences but as well as being my wife, she has also been my friend. We share everything."

Mrs McAdam said: "I still let him go for a drink whenever he wants."