THE former owners of a Ferryhill coal merchants have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Thomas and Anita Lawson were married at St Charles’Church in Tudhoe on April 16, 1949 after meeting whilst working for Mrs Lawson’s father’s ice cream manufacturing business.

The couple initially lived in Spennymoor before moving to Ferryhill, and set-up Lawson’s Solid Fuels on the Mainsforth Industrial Estate in 1966.

They successfully ran the business together for over 30 years before selling it in 2000.

Mr and Mrs Lawson, aged 79 and 81 respectively, were joined by their children, Angela and Terry, and three grandchildren for a small family celebration to mark their 60th anniversary.

Mr Lawson said: "We have always worked together, trusted one and other, and taken notice of each other’s feelings.

"We’ve always set ourselves goals, and have achieved every one of them."