WHEN Sylvia Brown suffered a severe stroke a day before her 79th birthday she was left paralysed down her right side, but she remained determined to celebrate her diamond wedding anniversary.

Yesterday, Mrs Brown was joined by relatives and friends in hospital, where she marked 50 years with her husband, Tony.

Mr Brown, of Burnopfield, County Durham, said: "Sylvia was determined to celebrate our diamond wedding anniversary.

"She wanted it to be at our local, the Albion pub, but that was out of question as she is still in hospital after 13 weeks.

"But Shotley Bridge Hospital kindly let us have use of a dining room to mark the occasion."

Mr Brown, a former coal miner who worked at the East Tanfield pit for most of his life, said he had met his sweetheart while dancing at the Palais Dance Hall, in Stanley, in his early teens.

Mr Brown said: "Sylvia used to sing with the bands in the dance halls. She caught my eye and I asked her for a dance. It was love at first sight.

"We were part of a big group that used to go to dance halls in the area and used to go out dancing seven nights a week."

Mr Brown said he had enlisted with the Royal Marines toward the end of the Second World War. He was about to leave for Hong Kong when it was discovered he was coal miner and he was sent back as an essential worker.

The couple lived in Tantobie for most of their lives before moving to Burnopfield.

Mr Brown said: "I am surprised it has lasted so long. I never thought about getting this far. And it has been worth every moment. Sylvia is a lovely woman."

It is hoped Mrs Brown will be returning home shortly. The couple have a daughter Joan, 58, son Michael, 54, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.