A Darlington couple who celebrated their golden wedding at the weekend asked family and friends to help a local charity rather than buy them gifts.

Fred and Janet Garlick, both 70, of Edgecombe Drive, appealed for donations for Darlington Association on Disability (Dad).

Mrs Garlick (nee McCulloch) said: "I have always wanted to put something back into the community and this seemed the ideal thing to do."

Mr Garlick, a retired management consultant, said: "Jan has long been involved in local fundraising activities, primarily through the Lionesses' Club.

"At our stage in life, material gain just doesn't mean anything anymore. This was an opportunity to do somebody else some good."

The couple wed on October 9, 1954, at St James the Great Church in the town.

They had met at a local dance three years before, when Mr Garlick was serving in the Royal Air Force.

The pair, who have two children, Michael, 46; and Ian, 43; celebrated their anniversary with a meal for family and friends at Hall Garth Hotel, Coatham Mundeville, on Saturday.

"It's been a very happy marriage and the time has absolutely flown by," said Mr Garlick.

"We have never held grudges," added his wife.

"When we've had a tiff we have always made up."