A COUPLE who have devoted their lives to the Salvation Army are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

Joe and Ruby Bradwell met as teenagers through the Salvation Army in Birmingham.

Mr Bradwell, 82, who was born at Eldon, near Bishop Auckland, went to work in Birmingham at the age of 15.

A faithful Salvation Army member at Eldon, he carried with him a reference from the brigade leader to Blackheath, Birmingham, so he could continue his service.

There he became friends with Mrs Bradwell's brother, Herbert, before winning the heart of Mrs Bradwell, 83.

She said: "I fell for his singing. He had a lovely voice."

They married at St Paul's Church, Blackheath, on April 4, 1942, and spent their married life moving between Birmingham and the North-East.

Now they have settled in Shildon Court, Shildon, where they are members of the town's Salvation Army. They have a daughter, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr Bradwell said: "It has been one big happy life. We have had our ups and downs, but we forget the downs and look forward to something better.''