A COUNTY Durham couple renewed their wedding vows yesterday in the majestic setting of Auckland Castle.

Stanley and Elizabeth Harding, walked down the aisle of St Peter's Chapel - the Bishop of Durham's private 12th Century chapel - in Bishop Auckland, to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

The couple, from Station Road, Witton-le-Wear, renewed the pledges they made 50 years ago when they married at Bishop Wearmouth Church, in Sunderland.

After national service with the Royal Air Force, Mr Harding became a solicitor and served as president of the Judicial Law Society and as a tribunal chairman.

Both have been active members of the Church of England, particularly Mr Harding, 75, who is a former chairman of Wearside Round Table.

Mrs Harding, 74, has supported the Girl Guide movement for years, including a spell as county commissioner, and was a governor at Witton- le-Wear Primary School.

For about 20 years, they have enjoyed trips to their Spanish holiday home.

In retirement, both became volunteers at Auckland Castle and were inspired to renew their vows in its grounds.

Mr Harding said: "Stickability has kept us together - if you have something this good it is worth working for.

"We have always had our own interests but are best friends. As a solicitor, I dealt with 3,000 divorces so know that many people are not as lucky to find the right person."

Their son Paul, an accountant in Canada, and daughter Jennifer McDermot, a London-based solicitor, and grandchildren Patrick and Helen McDermot, travelled to the region for the celebration.