GEORGE and Alice Hewitson cemented their love with the exchange of marriage vows 60 years ago.

Yesterday, they spearheaded a £600,000 appeal to build a social centre next to the church where they married.

A glass brick inscribed with their names launched a buy-a-brick scheme which will give local businesses and people an opportunity to be stakeholders in a plan to replace the ageing Holy Trinity Church hall, at North Ormesby, near Middlesbrough, with a centre for the community.

The Reverend Graham Usher, vicar of Holy Trinity and chairman of the Trinity Centre Committee, said: "We were delighted when George and Alice agreed to launch our appeal.Their long and happy association with Holy Trinity re-emphasises the central role it has played in the community for more than 130 years - and reinforces our determination to ensure it continues to be a focal point.