TWO retired teachers who are well-known to generations of South Durham people celebrated their golden wedding at the weekend.

Dez and Betty Bone, from Escomb, have lived and worked in the area for all their 50 years of marriage.

They met in 1948, when Mr Bone was studying at Durham University and Mrs Bone was training at Neville's Cross College. They married at Christ Church, Consett, four years later.

Mr Bone found a job as a geography master at King James I Grammar School for Boys after he qualified in 1951. He worked there until his appointment as first headteacher of Staindrop Comprehensive School in 1963. He retired in 1979.

Mr Bone was a lay reader at St John's Church, Escomb, where he also ran the Sunday School. He is a founder member of Bishop Auckland Probus Club.

Mrs Bone taught at Coundon Infant School until her two daughters, Margaret and Barbara, were born. She later worked at Etherley, Toft Hill and Cockfield.

Mrs Bone said: "When we came to Bishop Auckland we intended it would be a stop-gap and we would only stay for a couple of years, but we liked it so much we are still here. We have had a busy life, mostly centred around the family and school activities."

The couple have enjoyed travelling during their retirement. They celebrated their anniversary with a family dinner on Saturday night.