Two couples living in a Darlington care home have renewed their vows in a "lovely" ceremony.

The team at the North Park Care Centre wanted to have a day that the Smiths and the Batteys would not forget.

Keith and Cathy Battey went ahead with the ceremony despite Cathy currently being on bed rest.

The couple met in a dance hall in Huddersfield and now they have been married together for 58 years.

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Fred and Josie Smith met while working together at Rothmans in Darlington and they have been together for 32 years.

The Northern Echo: Fred and Josie Smith

Deputy Manager, Ben Patterson at North Park Care Centre said: "We have had such a lovely day celebrating Fred and Josie’s and Keith and Cathy’s vow renewals.

"It’s so wonderful to see two couples still very much in love after all these years!"

Reverend Brian Hutton conducted both ceremonies with the grooms in their best suits and the ladies looking beautiful.

Their hair was done by Carley Hurton, makeup by Shanice Clarke and nails by Autumn Appleton.

Moira Fleming, head chef at the care home, prepared a delicious buffet reception for both couples.

The Northern Echo: Keith and Cathy Battey

An amazing wedding cake was donated by Karen Wright.

When they heard about the two ceremonies locals in the area were very keen to chip in to help.

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Other residents of the care home joined in the celebration later with a performance by DJ Jason Humble.

North Park Care Centre is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.

North Park Care Centre provides residential care and dementia care for sixty residents from respite care to long-term stays.