A TEESSIDE couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a family party.

Nancy and Ron Redfern, from Yarm, married in Stockton on St George's Day, April 23, 1955.

Mrs Redfern (nee Watt) was working as a secretary in Thornaby Town Hall when she met her future husband, who had just returned from doing his National Service in Malaya.

Mrs Redfern, 69, was born in Yarm, at Far End Farm, and for some time lived where the Tall Trees now stands. She attended school in Low Worsall and later went to Yarm Grammar School.

Mr Redfern, 72, a former retained firefighter, was born in Stockton and went to Oxbridge Lane School. He worked at Reckitt and Coleman's, in Yarm, for 21 years, then at British Chrome (now Elementis) before retiring seven years ago.

His wife, branch leader of Yarm Mothers' Union afternoon and evening sections and secretary of Yarm Parish Council, also worked at British Chrome, where she was a secretary for 25 years.

The couple have two sons, two daughters, three grandsons and two granddaughters.