A COUPLE who met and married three weeks after a fortune teller predicted it have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

It was love at first sight for Jean and Tom Hindson when they first met each other in a hotel in Stanley, County Durham.

Mrs Hindson, 73, was a barmaid at the Eagle Hotel when a fortune teller came to visit in October 1952.

Although sceptical, she borrowed half a crown from the landlord, a small fortune in those days, and was told she would meet somebody and marry them within a month.

She said: "I told the landlord it had been a waste of money, I wasn't even courting after all."

But four days later Mr Hindson, who was in the Army with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, walked into the bar with two friends having just returned from the Korean War.

Mrs Hindson said: "We went out together on the Thursday, which was my night off, the next Thursday we went to put the bands in and we were married a week after.

"It's the only time I've ever believed in fortune tellers. It was amazing."

The couple, who married in Durham Registry Office, thought Mr Hindson would be going abroad, but the trip failed to materialise.

He became a coal miner and the couple moved in Staffordshire, eventually settling in Fishburn, County Durham, almost 40 years ago.

Mr Hindson, 76, worked in Fishburn Coke Works until his retirement and was doorman at the local club until three weeks ago.

The couple, who have several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, will be celebrating their anniversary with a family party in Fishburn WMC on Saturday.

Mrs Hindson said: "We've had a very happy marriage. We never argue much really and if we do we talk about it."