IT was a moving occasion that prompted a tear or two. Packed into a small church, they came to witness the renewal of marriage vows by eight old soldiers and their wives.

For Leonard Fitzroy-Smith and his wife of 56 years, Helen, it was not only a demonstration of enduring love - but also a show of defiance.

For the 84-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel has prostate cancer, and two years ago was given just three weeks to live by doctors.

It was then that the president of the Darlington branch of the Parachute Regimental Association decided to "put his affairs in order".

On Saturday, despite being confined to a wheelchair, he and Helen, who suffers from Alzheimers disease, joined the other couples at Darlington's St Columba's Church, to renew their vows.

Each man is a former member of the parachute regiment, who served during the Second World War.

Lt Col Fitzroy-Smith received the Military Cross for a mission behind enemy lines, while serving with the 2nd Parachute Regiment.

He spent time in North Africa, France and Greece, where he was wounded and evacuated to Italy. It was there that he met nursing sister Helen McGee, his future wife. The couple married in May, 1945.

They have two daughters and three grandchildren and live at Barton, near Darlington.

Lt Col Fitzroy-Smith, whose cancer is in remission, said: "Helen was a much-loved sister in the hospital, and I was lucky enough to capture her."

The ceremony was organised after married members of the branch were asked if they would like to renew their wedding vows.

The ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Simon Foster, who said: "It was a very beautiful and moving occasion, and I certainly felt a lump in my throat.

"For this parish it was a first, not least to have eight couples from the parachute regiment, and also a glorious achievement for all of them."

The other couples who were renewing their vows were: Alan and Isabel Wright, of Sunningdale Green, Darlington; Colin and Ann Bell, of Thorngate, Barnard Castle; Ben and Molly Gamble, of Oban Court, Darlington; Bill and Irene Stoddart, of Whitehart Crescent, Darlington; Keith and Jean Douglas of Whinfield Close, Stockton; Ray and Jean Graves, of Whinstone Drive, Stainton, near Middlesbrough; and William and Margaret Grady of Crosslanes, Richmond, North Yorkshire