A Sedgefield couple whose romance blossomed during the second world war have celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss.

Army driver John Hill, originally from Warwickshire, was stationed in Sedgefield from 1941.

At a camp dance he met local girl Rachel Stubbs and the pair courted for almost two years until June 2, 1943, when they were married at St Edmund's Church in the village.

After a posting to Germany, Mr and Mrs Hill settled in Sedgefield and raised a son, Geoffrey, and daughter, Joyce.

They now have five grandchildren and three grandchildren.

Mr Hill worked for Sedgefield District Council, now the borough council, as a painter and decorator for 40 years, and Mrs Hill was a nurse at the former Winterton Hospital for 30 years.

Mrs Hill, 84, said the couple have always enjoyed each others company and shared interests such as music, walking, gardening and bingo.

Mr Hill, 82, said: "We always pull together, it would be no good going in opposite directions. Any ups and downs need to be sorted out straight away. And of course, love."

They celebrated with family at home, in Chestnut Road and received a card from the Queen.