IT was a family affair for Fred and Lorna Thompson as they marked their diamond wedding anniversary, on Saturday.

The couple, who have four grown-up children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, celebrated with a party at Chilton Catholic Club.

Mr Thompson, 83, said: "It was meant to be a surprise, but we found out about it in the end.

"We were surprised at how many people were there. It was actually a bit crowded, but it was lovely, lots of friends and all the family."

The couple met at a tea dance at Coatham Mundeville Hotel, Redcar, and were married at St Anne's Church, Bishop Auckland.

After spending a brief spell with Mrs Thompson's parents at Newton Cap Bank, Bishop Auckland, the couple settled in Mr Thompson's native Chilton, where they still live today, in Jade Walk.

Mr Thompson, a former blacksmith, worked in the mining industry between the ages of 14 and 60. Mrs Thompson, nee Champman, was a nurse, before working in the Co-op, in Bishop Auckland.

Mrs Thompson, 80, who hails from Great Stainton, near Barnard Castle, said the secret to their relationship was "working together and loving each other".