AFTER 50 years of marriage, Gordon and Elsie Taylor have finally found their dream home.

But it has taken the couple eight house moves before they finally found the home where they are planning to spend their retirement.

And among the celebrations to mark their golden wedding will be the move from their home in Station Town to a new house in Shotton Colliery.

Mr and Mrs Taylor, both from east Durham, admit they enjoy the challenge of transforming old houses.

However, this week, as they put the final touches to their new home, they conceded it would probably be their last move.

Mr Taylor, 70, and Mrs Taylor, 68, were married at Hutton Henry in 1951.

Mr Taylor served in the Royal Marines, and after leaving the armed forces he worked as a farm labourer before working at Wheatley Hill Colliery. He later worked as a coach driver before going back underground at Blackhall Colliery. But throughout his working career he continued with his passion for restoring old properties.

Mr Taylor lists singing among his favourite pastimes and has entertained local audiences with his Frank Sinatra renditions.

However, it was time out for everything except golden celebrations when their daughter, Margaret Buckton, organised a party to mark their marriage milestone at a hotel in Saltburn, east Cleveland.

The couple also have a son Michael, three granddaughters, one grandson and three great-granddaughters.