A COUPLE have marked their diamond wedding.

March 2 had a special significance for Saltburn couple Tom and Gladys Shotton - it was the day they married in St Oswald's Church, Durham City, 60 years ago.

The anniversary was marked by cards - including one from the Queen - and celebrated with a lunch.

They were accompanied by their daughter, Carole, and grandchildren Paul, Nicola, and Christopher, as well as other family members.

Mr and Mrs Shotton - who are now both in their 80s - were both born in Durham City, went to the same schools, and had strong links with St Oswald's, where Mr Shotton was in the choir and Mrs Shotton was a Sunday school teacher.

The couple, right, began courting just before war broke out and Mr Shotton, being in the Territorials, was on active service at 18 with the Durham Light Infantry.

He served in France and was at Dunkirk, before a stint in Iceland, and ended the war as captain of a training battalion at Brancepeth, County Durham.

Back in Civvy Street, he did a course at what was then Constantine College, now Teesside University, in Middlesbrough, prior to taking up a post with a printing firm.

Twenty years ago, Mr Shotton was forced to take early retirement when he became seriously ill with cancer. He beat it.

Mrs Shotton has been involved with various local groups and charities over the years and is still a member of the ladies' fellowship and a member of the Saltburn Aged Peoples' club.