WHEN Joseph and Evelyn Spooner married in 1943 they could not have known what an important role their wedding chapel would play in their lives.

Sixty years on, retired pitman Mr Spooner is now the Pastor of Great Lumley Evangelical Church, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

And as they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday, Mr Spooner said the church had been the mainstay of their long and happy marriage.

Both Mr Spooner 82, and his wife, who is 79, are from Great Lumley and have lived all their lives in the village.

Mr Spooner began his working life as a pitman at Lumley mine where he stayed until its closure in 1966, when he was transferred to Wearmouth Colliery.

He took early retirement in 1979 after which he devoted his time and energy to the Evangelical Church as a pastor.

Mr Spooner said the church had contributed so much to their relationship.

"It is our faith and being involved in the church, reading the Bible and praying together which has helped us through good times and bad,'' he said.

To mark their marriage milestone Mr and Mrs Spooner, who have two daughters and a son, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, were holding an open house for all their relatives and friends.

Taking pride of place among their cards was a greeting from the Queen.