A COUPLE from High Escomb wish to thank family and friends for helping them raise £800 for the British Heart Foundation in celebration of their golden wedding anniversary.

Des and Joan Graves asked for donations to their favourite charity rather than giving them gifts.

"I had a heart bypass ten years ago and I wanted to give something back to such a great charity. My wife and I are very grateful to everyone.

"I'd also like to thank everyone at the Civic Centre for putting on such a great evening."

The couple celebrated their anniversary at the Civic Centre, in Shildon.