A COUPLE who met on a blind date are celebrating 65 years of wedded bliss.

When Lena Appleby, 87, was first introduced to her husband Don, also 87, she vowed never to see him again as he was wearing boots.

But during their first date boating in Durham, Mr Appleby won her over, and they were married at St Oswald's Church.

Last Saturday, 65 years on, friends and family of the couple gathered to celebrate their anniversary at a party in Durham Prison Warders' Social Club.

Among those celebrating were some of their four children, nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Daughter Sandra Howarth, 59, who travelled from Peterborough for the party, said her parents had lived in and around Durham throughout their married life.

"My dad was in the Navy before and during the war, and my mum was in service when she was younger," she said.

"She also worked at Ramside Hall for a while and at the former Palace in Durham.

"My parents have been happy all these years - they've enjoyed their lives."