A Darlington undertakers firm is celebrating its 50th year as a family-run business this week, while the Queen celebrates her golden jubilee.

Seaton Leng and Son, now in its third generation, is a successful Darlington business which has a history closely entwined with that of the town.

The company marked its 50th year of association with the Tindale family by expanding to Northallerton, where its branch office will open soon.

It will be housed in the town's former register office, which is being renovated to meet the business needs of the new owner.

While the firm celebrates its 50th year in the family, it is also celebrating 50 years with Barclays Bank, which held a special lunch to mark the occasion.

The company was founded in 1891 by Seaton Leng, who set up a joinery and undertaking business in Gladstone Street, Darlington, on the site of the old swimming baths, and settled his family into the adjoining house.

In 1920, the business was relocated to its present site on the corner of Greenbank Road and Bondgate, where buildings were erected to stable horses and house carriages.

Mr Leng was a prominent figure in the town, serving as Mayor of Darlington in 1920-21 and becoming an Alderman in 1927.

By 1942, the business was in the hands of the Bulmer family, who ran it until the early 1950s.

In 1952, Raymond Tindale joined the company and later became the firm's managing director. His son, Peter, joined the firm in the 1960s and succeeded his father as managing director in 1975.

The firm is still living up to its name as a family-run business, with Mr Tindale's wife, Ruth joining in 1985.

Their son James, 26, is a trainee undertaker and their daughter Sally, 24, deals with the clerical and reception side of the business.

Mr Tindale said: "We could not have achieved what we have without the advice and support of our professional friends, including the bank, or the loyal service of our staff over the years."

David Tulip, business manager at Barclays, said: "We have seen the firm grow to its present position of providing a very high quality service to the people of Darlington. We are delighted to see this being extended to Northallerton very soon."

Mr Tindale was presented with a selection of historical bank notes and a glass plaque to mark the anniversary