CELEBRATING their diamond wedding, Norman and Florence Passfield recalled how their professional paths had frequently crossed.

For as a Justice of the Peace, Florence had assumed her place on the bench at Peterlee Magistrates' Court, while journalist Norman was to be found in the more lowly domain of the press bench.

But this week, long after Norman left the world of newspapers behind him, and with Florence now retired as deputy chairman of the bench, the devoted couple celebrated 60 years of marriage with an open day at their Blackhall Rocks home.

The Passfields, who were married at St Edmunds Church in Bearpark, moved to East Durham after the war.

Norman, a journalist for the Durham Advertiser Series, was asked to report on the growth of the then new town of Peterlee.

He has recorded every major event in the town, while Florence carried out many roles in the community. As well as working as a magistrate, she has been president of the local Women's Institute, and a tireless worker for the blood donor service.

She has also been chairman of the North Eastern Women's Bowling League.

The couple have a son, Brian, and a daughter, Susan, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

They were among the family guests who travelled to Durham to attend a diamond celebration dinner.